Puri: A havildar has been suspended in connection with chaining a journalist, who had been arrested over a purported false case, on the hospital bed at the district headquarters hospital in Balasore.
Central Range IGP Narasingha Bhol termed the incident as unfortunate and illegal. He informed that one Havildar has been suspended and a DSP-rank official is investigating the case. If needed, action will be taken against IIC on basis of the probe.
Reportedly, the journalist identified as Lokanath Dalei was arrested by Nilagiri Police on Wednesday morning on charges of abusing and assaulting a Home Guard.
Home Guard Niranjan Rana had on April 4, lodged a complaint at the police station alleging that he was performing government duty when Dalei abused him in filthy languages, assaulted him by means of fist blows, and threatened dire consequences.
Based on the report, Dalei was detained and subjected to torture. As his condition turned critical, he was admitted to the district headquarters hospital. Even on the hospital bed, his legs were shackled.
On the other hand, eyewitnesses claim that an altercation had broken out between Rana and Dalei after the former crashed his motorcycle with the latter’s motorcycle. Dalei has alleged his arrest is a revenge bid over some news reports against the police.
