The alleged assault of an Indian Army officer and his fiancée at the Bharatpur police station in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, has escalated into a national issue, sparking outrage across the country. This case involves not only claims of police misconduct but also alleged custodial violence, sexual assault, and the wrongful treatment of both the Army officer and his fiancée while they were attempting to file a complaint. As the controversy intensifies, it has caught the attention of political leaders, judicial bodies, and national human rights organizations.
The Odisha government’s decision to launch a Judicial Commission of Inquiry is seen as a direct response to public anger. This commission is headed by Justice (Retd) Chitta Ranjan Dash, a former judge of the Orissa and Calcutta High Courts, and was established to investigate the events that unfolded at the Bharatpur police station.
The Incident: What Happened?
On September 15, 2024, an Army officer and his fiancée approached the Bharatpur police station to file a complaint regarding a road rage incident. The couple claimed they had been harassed by local youths, but instead of receiving help, a verbal confrontation ensued between the couple and the police officers. What followed, according to the fiancée’s allegations, was an egregious act of custodial violence and sexual harassment.
The fiancée, a 32-year-old woman, was allegedly stripped, kicked, and falsely accused of attacking a police officer. The situation escalated when she was tied up and beaten. According to her statement, male police officers forcibly removed her clothing, and one of them assaulted her by kicking her in the chest. The officer also allegedly made obscene gestures towards her.
Videos of the woman’s distress went viral on social media on September 19, further fueling public outrage. The woman was seen in a wheelchair, wearing a cervical collar and visibly traumatized, recounting her ordeal at Bharatpur police station. Her account of the night, marked by both physical and sexual violence, has become a rallying point for human rights activists and women’s rights organizations across the nation.
Government Response and Judicial Probe
Amid the growing pressure, Odisha Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi ordered a judicial probe into the incident. Justice Chitta Ranjan Dash was appointed to lead the inquiry, with the goal of unearthing the facts and determining whether there was misconduct by police personnel. The commission was directed to submit its report within 60 days of the start of the investigation.
The judicial probe commenced on September 30, 2024, with Justice Dash setting up an office at the Special Circuit House in Bhubaneswar. Odisha’s Director General of Police (DGP) YB Khurania was present alongside other senior officials as the investigation began. The government has outlined a clear terms of reference for the commission, which includes requesting affidavits from involved parties and witnesses. The affidavits are to be submitted within 21 days, after which the examination of evidence will begin.
Crime Branch Investigation and Immediate Action
While the judicial commission takes its course, the Odisha Crime Branch has also been directed to investigate the alleged custodial violence. In response to the public outcry, five police officers from the Bharatpur police station, including Inspector-in-Charge (IIC) Dinakrushna Mishra, were suspended on charges of gross misconduct. They were accused of involvement in the physical and sexual assault of the Army officer’s fiancée.
In an effort to further investigate the allegations, the five suspended officers underwent lie detector tests at a forensic laboratory in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The tests, conducted on the basis of a court order, were part of the broader investigation to determine the veracity of the allegations against the police officers.
Legal Proceedings and Anticipatory Bail
Amidst these developments, the suspended officers have sought anticipatory bail from the Orissa High Court, hoping to avoid arrest and prosecution. The case is currently under consideration, and the court has not yet issued a ruling on their petition.
The fiancée, who was initially arrested on charges of assaulting police officers, was later released on bail following an order from the Orissa High Court. The court is expected to hear her plea to cancel the First Information Report (FIR) lodged against both her and the Army officer on September 26. The charges against them, which include accusations of vandalism and attacking police officers, have been called into question following revelations of police misconduct.
Political Reactions and Public Protests
The alleged custodial violence has also led to a political firestorm. Former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik called for a judicial probe into the incident, labeling it as “unfortunate” and demanding quick action. Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra criticized the BJP for failing to protect citizens, claiming that in states ruled by the party, police forces had turned from “protectors to predators.”
On the other hand, BJP leader Biranchi Narayan Tripathy emphasized that the government was taking the matter very seriously and had already taken strong action. He urged the opposition not to politicize the issue.
Several women’s rights groups and human rights activists held protests in front of the Police Bhavan in Bhubaneswar, demanding the immediate arrest of the accused officers. The National Commission for Women (NCW) has also taken suo-motu cognizance of the case and requested an action-taken report from the Odisha DGP.
The Way Forward
The judicial probe led by Justice Chitta Ranjan Dash is currently underway, with affidavits from the involved parties expected in the coming weeks. The judicial report is expected to bring clarity to the sequence of events and establish accountability. Meanwhile, the Crime Branch’s investigation and legal proceedings continue to evolve, with national attention on how this high-profile case unfolds.
The Odisha government has reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy on violence against women, with Chief Minister Majhi vowing that any police officers found guilty will be punished as per the law.
Editor’s View
As the Editor, it is essential to approach this case with a balanced perspective. The incident at Bharatpur police station is undoubtedly distressing, and while the investigation is still underway, we must recognize the efforts of the BJP-led Odisha government in addressing the issue swiftly. The suspension of the officers involved and the judicial inquiry led by Justice (Retd.) Chitta Ranjan Dash are significant steps toward ensuring a transparent and thorough investigation. These actions demonstrate the government’s commitment to uncovering the truth and upholding justice.
At the same time, it is important to acknowledge that complaints of police misconduct are not uncommon and often go unnoticed. While this case has gained widespread attention due to its severity and the individuals involved, many ordinary citizens face similar challenges in their daily interactions with law enforcement. The alleged mistreatment at the police station sheds light on the need for deeper introspection into the functioning of law enforcement agencies and their interactions with the public.
As we await the results of the judicial inquiry, it is crucial to allow the process to unfold without premature judgments. The truth will emerge, and justice will be served. What remains clear is the necessity for ongoing reform and accountability within our police forces, to ensure that every individual, regardless of their status, is treated with fairness and dignity.
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