Zania-Editor
On September 15, an army officer stationed in West Bengal and his fiancée visited the Bharatpur police station in Odisha to report an incident of road rage involving local youths. However, they claim they faced harassment from the police instead.
In response to these allegations, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has initiated a judicial inquiry into the alleged torture of the army officer and the reported sexual assault of his fiancée at the police station. The state government is committed to strict action against anyone found guilty, according to a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO). Justice Chittaranjan Das will oversee the inquiry, which is expected to deliver a report within 60 days.
Additionally, the Odisha government has asked the Orissa High Court to monitor the investigation by the Crime Branch of the Odisha Police. Emphasizing the rule of law, Majhi stated that his government respects the Indian Army and is focused on the dignity and safety of women.
As part of the initial actions, five personnel from the Bharatpur police station have been suspended, and a case has been filed against them for allegedly torturing the army officer and sexually harassing his fiancée.
The situation has drawn attention from opposition leaders, with BJD president Naveen Patnaik calling for a court-monitored Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe in addition to the judicial inquiry. The opposition has also planned a bandh in Bhubaneswar on September 24 to protest the incident.
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