Balangir: A mobile handset can be many things beyond a communication device — alarm clock, flashlight, paperweight and can also be used as a weapon in case of distress. But recently, an allegation has surfaced that it has been used as a hammer, that had resulted in the death of a person in Balangir district.Swapneswar Mishra (33) of Chimnibhati Para was taken to the district headquarters hospital (DHH) on Saturday after falling seriously ill. Doctors provided preliminary treatment and discharged him. Mishra’s condition deteriorated later in the day and he was readmitted to the DHH, where he died during treatment.His relatives alleged that his wife had struck him on the head with a mobile phone during an argument, resulting in a severe head injury.“An argument resulted when the wife learnt that her husband had lent his motorcycle to a friend. The argument turned violent and the wife furiously struck on her husband’s head with a mobile phone. He became unconscious and was rushed to the hospital,” a relative alleged.However, preliminary post-mortem findings suggest a different cause. Police said doctors found no external injury marks on the body.“The deceased had no external injury as alleged by the family. After conducting the autopsy, the doctor confirmed that the death was due to liver failure caused by excessive alcohol consumption. The detailed post-mortem report will be submitted on Tuesday,” said Sanjay Kumar Sahoo, IIC, Laxmijore Police Station.Police have registered a case based on the medico-legal certificate and a complaint lodged by the family. An investigation is underway.
