A 46-year-old domestic help working at the official residence of Odisha minister Krushna Chandra Patra died due to suspected electrocution, police said.
The deceased has been identified as Shankarshan Nag, a native of the Belpahar area in Odisha’s Balangir district. Police said he had been working at the minister’s residence for the past few months and was staying in the official quarters.
Found unconscious inside residence room
According to police, Shankarshan was found lying unconscious on the floor of his room on Thursday by the minister’s personal staff. He was immediately rushed to Capital Hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival.
Police later reached the residence, recovered the body and sent it for post-mortem examination. Officials said preliminary findings suggest accidental electrocution.
Bhubaneswar DCP Jagmohan Meena said an unnatural death case has been registered and further investigation is underway to determine the exact circumstances.
Opposition seeks detailed probe
Meanwhile, the opposition Biju Janata Dal demanded a thorough investigation into the incident. Party vice-president Sanjay Das Burma raised questions about the handling of the case and sought clarification from Chief Minister Mohan Majhi, who also holds charge of the Home department.
The opposition alleged that media access to the victim’s family was restricted and demanded transparency in the investigation. As of Friday evening, Minister Patra had not issued a public statement regarding the incident.
Police said further action will depend on post-mortem findings and forensic examination reports.