Police suspect accidental fall; post-mortem to confirm cause of death

A 23-year-old postgraduate philosophy student of Utkal University, Tapas Kumar Naik, was found dead in a pool of blood outside his hostel building on Sunday morning. Naik, a native of Pantho village under Karanjia police limits in Mayurbhanj district, was in the final year of his studies.

Initial police investigation points to an accidental fall from the three-storey hostel building. According to university officials, Naik had gone to sleep on the rooftop after dinner on Saturday night. His body was discovered the next morning.

“There is no parapet wall on the terrace. He was sleeping near the edge. We do not know how he fell,” said a fellow student. Several other students were also on the rooftop but claimed to have no knowledge of the incident.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Jagmohan Meena said there were no signs of foul play or evidence to suggest that Naik was pushed. “The exact cause of death, whether accidental or suicide, will be confirmed after the post-mortem report,” he added.

Naik’s father, a havildar at the Banspal fire station in Keonjhar district, was informed promptly. The family has not filed any formal complaint regarding the incident.

Key Points:

• Deceased: Tapas Kumar Naik, 23, PG philosophy student at Utkal University.

• Origin: Pantho village, Mayurbhanj district.

• Incident: Found dead outside hostel building, suspected fall from rooftop.

• Preliminary Investigation: No foul play suspected; accidental fall likely.

• University’s Statement: Naik was sleeping on the rooftop after dinner.

• Police Status: Awaiting post-mortem report to confirm exact cause.

• Family: No complaint filed; father serves in fire department.