Crime News / Two Arrested in SCB Psychiatric Patient Death Case; Ward Attendant and Security Guard Booked

Kataka, Oct 11: The Commissionerate Police arrested two people in connection with the death of a psychiatric patient at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Kataka, allegedly following an assault by hospital staff, a source said on Sunday.

The accused have been identified as A Jagannath Rao, a ward attendant, and Dilip Kumar Pradhan, a security guard. Police produced both accused in court.

Sections 105 and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) have been invoked against them. Section 105 deals with culpable homicide not amounting to murder, while Section 3(5) concerns acts done by several persons in furtherance of their common intention.

Family Alleges Assault In Psychiatric Ward
The deceased, identified as Srikant Das, 40, was a resident of Pahanga village under Rasulpur block in Jajpur district. He was admitted to the Mental Health Institute of SCB on September 28 following an illness.

According to his family, Das stepped out of the ward late on September 29. His relatives alleged that hospital staff and security personnel assaulted him with plastic pipes.

The family also alleged that more than three hospital staff members assaulted Das inside the ward. His wife reportedly objected to the alleged assault but claimed that her pleas were ignored. She further alleged that the staff members were under the influence of alcohol at the time.

The family claimed that injury marks were visible on different parts of Das' body following the incident.

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Police Investigation Underway
The incident triggered tension at SCB Medical College and Hospital, with the family alleging that the assault led to Das' death.

Mangalabag Police have arrested the two accused and initiated legal proceedings.