Balangir, June 28: A police officer was injured and several police vehicles were damaged as a mob stormed into Titilagarh police station, about 65km from here, following the death of person who was allegedly due to torture in custody.

Sub-divisional police officer of Titilagarh Dillip Purohit suffered injuries as the mob pelted stones. The mob torched at least 30 vehicles. The district administration had to clamp prohibitory orders under Section 144 of CrPC to maintain law and order.

The mob placed the body of Basanta Pradhan, 32, a mobile shop owner of Titilagarh, who was picked up by the police for allegedly buying a stolen mobile phone.

The protesters demonstrated in front of the police station and demanded action against the guilty police officials. Ananta Pradhan, brother of the deceased, said that police took his brother to Titilagarh police station on June 9, where he was beaten up brutally. Then, he was kept in the police station without any case being registered against him whatsoever.

The inspectors in charge of Titilagarh and Balangir police stations have been put under suspension and a Crime Branch inquiry has been ordered into the incident.