An undertrial lodged in Bhadrak district jail of Odisha reportedly cut his genitals and inflicted wounds on his left hand on Saturday, causing a flutter among jail officials.

The undertrial Sushant Majhi, who was brought to the jail four days ago following his arrest in connection with the alleged torture of his wife, had been showing signs of restlessness, according to jail officials.

The case against him was lodged at the Tihidi police station of Bhadrak district. He was arrested on the basis of an FIR lodged by his wife who accused him of domestic violence and torture. Following his arrest, Sushant was under stress and avoided talking to other inmates of the jail, sources said.

According to the jail officials, Majhi went to the toilet around 1.30pm on Saturday. As he did not come out of the toilet, the jail staff immediately informed the jail superintendent. Later he was rescued from the toilet while bleeding profusely.

Superintendent of Bhadrak district jail, R.N. Nayak, said: “The undertrial was trying to commit suicide. However, he was rescued by the staff. He was admitted to the Bhadrak district hospital. As his condition deteriorated, Majhi was shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack for treatment.”

Sources said Sushant used a steel stand to burn mosquito coils to cut his genitals and hand. However, jail officials remained tight-lipped on the issue.