Bhubaneswar: A delegation from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Wednesday, visited the Army officer’s fiancée at AIIMS Bhubaneswar, where she is receiving treatment after allegedly being assaulted by police at the Bharatpur police station.
The delegation included prominent leaders such as Bhubaneswar North MLA Susant Rout, Bhubaneswar Central MLA Anant Narayan Jena, Bhubaneswar Mayor Sulochana Das, former Minister Ashok Panda, BJD leader Manmath Routray, and several BMC corporators.
Speaking to the media after meeting the victim, former Minister Ashok Panda expressed concern over her condition.
“She appears to be critically injured both physically and mentally. As she is still under medical care, it is too early to comment conclusively, but this incident clearly shows that the Chief Minister, who also holds the Home portfolio, lacks control over the police,” he said.
Bhubaneswar Mayor Sulochana Das also expressed outrage, stating, “This government, within its first 100 days of rule, has shown that neither women nor those protecting our nation are safe. The Army officer’s fiancée is mentally distressed, and her hand is fractured. She is currently in traction, which indicates she was subjected to third-degree treatment. It is deeply unfortunate, and I am at a loss for words to condemn this incident.”
The controversy began on the night of September 14, when an Army officer and his fiancée were reportedly assaulted and humiliated at the Bharatpur police station after they attempted to report a road rage incident. Initially, the police claimed that the couple misbehaved with on-duty personnel. The Army officer was booked and released with a notice, while his fiancée was arrested for allegedly assaulting police officers.
However, as the details of the case emerged, allegations surfaced that the couple was manhandled and humiliated instead of having their complaint addressed. This led to widespread condemnation from various quarters, including the Defence establishment and ex-servicemen’s communities, who rallied in support of the Army officer and his fiancée.
In response to the mounting pressure, DGP YB Khurania ordered a Crime Branch probe on Tuesday, and hours later, three police personnel, including Inspector-in-Charge Dinakrushna Mishra, were removed from their posts to ensure a fair investigation. Despite these actions, calls for an independent probe into the incident have continued to grow.
Facing increasing public outrage, DGP Khurania on Wednesday suspended five police personnel from the Bharatpur police station, including IIC Mishra, SI Baisalini Panda, ASIs Salilamayee Sahoo and Sagarika Rath, and constable Balaram Hansda. They will remain under the disciplinary control of the Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Police Commissioner until further notice.
