Rourkela: A 64-year-old under-trial prisoner, Johan Minz, died at the Special Jail in Bonai, Sundargarh district, on Thursday morning.
Minz, a resident of Mahinsichapal under K Balang police station limits in Bonai sub-division, was imprisoned in 2021 along with his younger son, Adam Minz (35), for allegedly murdering his elder son. Both had been sharing a cell with other inmates since their arrest.
According to jail officials, Johan Minz was found unresponsive around 10 am after his routine morning activities. His son Adam, who had been taking care of his ailing father in the cell, alerted the jail authorities.
Jailer-cum-superintendent SS Beura, who rushed to the scene, said Minz was immediately taken to the Bonai sub-divisional hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead.
"We suspect the death might be due to age-related issues. However, the exact cause will be determined after the post-mortem examination," Beura told reporters.
The deceased's body has been kept in the morgue, and authorities have informed his wife and daughter. Police will conduct an inquest once the family arrives, after which a post-mortem will be performed before releasing the body to the relatives.