Crime Branch : Bhubaneswar, (Reporterspen), Oct 5: The Crime Branch of Odisha Police will investigate the mysterious death of Jyestha Bandaki, who was allegedly beaten to death by police officers in Kandhamal district. Bandaki, identified as a suspected ganja peddler, was involved in an incident that raised serious concerns regarding police conduct. Given the case’s sensitivity, the Director General of Police (DGP) ordered the Crime Branch to take over the investigation.
Crime Branch DSP Rajat Ray will lead the inquiry into this troubling incident. Earlier, disciplinary action was taken against several police officials from the Gochhapada police station in connection with Bandaki’s death. Kandhamal SP Suvendu Kumar Patra suspended two police personnel and dismissed three home guards based on the allegations.
Sources indicate that Bandaki was involved in a chase on September 26 when a police vehicle reportedly collided with his motorcycle, leading to his injuries. His family claims that instead of receiving medical assistance, he was beaten and his body was later abandoned in the forest after police confiscated cash and drugs. On September 27, villagers discovered his body at the bottom of a gorge and alerted his family, who resides in Beherapada village in the nearby Boudh district.