Convict in money-laundering case kills self in Choudwar jail

Cuttack: A 43-year-old convict serving a 10-year sentence in a money laundering case allegedly died by suicide inside Choudwar circle jail in Cuttack on Monday.The deceased was identified as Pabitra Kumar Sahoo of Bolagarh, Khurda, He was transferred to the jail on Sept 24 after being sentenced to rigorous imprisonment for 10 years by an OPID court in a money-laundering case.Police said Sahoo went to the toilet at 12:15pm, used a towel and railings and stood on a bucket to hang himself. An inmate spotted him and immediately alerted jail staff, following which he was rushed to SCB Medical College and Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.“Exact circumstances leading to the incident are being examined. We have registered an unnatural death (UD) case and sent the body for post-mortem. We have initiated an investigation and are awaiting the postmortem report,” said ACP Arun Swain.He said, “We are verifying whether Sahoo had shown signs of distress in recent days and if he had sought counselling or medical assistance. CCTV footage around the area is being reviewed.”