Bhubaneswar: The National Commission for Women (NCW) has sought an action taken report (ATR) from Odisha DGP within three days in the case pertaining to alleged custodial abuse of an Army officer and his fiancée by the police.
A formal letter has been sent by the NCW to the DGP requesting an ATR.
The NCW sought the ATR after taking suo motu cognizance of the allegations made by the Army officer and his lady friend.
Further, the NCW expects urgent disciplinary action.
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.
Meanwhile, DGP Khurania on Thursday directed the police to register a case against hooligans who allegedly assaulted the Army officer and his fiancée in Bhubaneswar on the night of September 14.
The DGP categorically said, “All wrongdoers will be identified and strict action will be taken against them.”
