Malkangiri: One youth died after a group of four persons jumped into a river during police raid near Balimela in the district last evening. Family members of the deceased identified as Binod Khemudu (32) however staged a demonstration in front of Orkel police station alleging police of pushing him into the river.
A team of police getting a tipoff was about to raid the gambling unit when the group of four dived into the river to evade arrest. While three of them managed to escape by crossing the river Khemudu was stuck at midway.
Later police personnel jumped into the river to rescue the youth. After the police unable to rescue him fire personnel carried out a rescue operation. The body was fished out this morning.
Tension prevailed in the area after locals and family members of the deceased staged a demonstration with the body. “He never indulged in gambling and we strongly suspect police of pushing him into the river. Stringent action must be taken against police personnel for his death,” said a family member of the deceased.
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Ms Kalinga