Bhubaneswar: A three-member National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) team on Tuesday began a ground investigation into the alleged assault of a Dalit woman sarpanch by police and BDO in Kendrapara district.
Tikhiri Gram Panchayat Sarpanch Chameli Ojha had alleged that she was assaulted by police after questioning officials over pending payments for development works and alleged irregularities in the panchayat. The NHRC team, comprising DSP Isam Singh, Gugan Ram and Shashi Bala Sharma, arrived in Kendrapara on Monday night following a complaint filed by Ojha.
The inquiry began at Mahakalapada police station, where the team recorded statements of the then IIC Manas Kumar Mallick and other police personnel. Later, it questioned Mahakalapada BDO Rabi Narayan Acharya and other block officials.
The team subsequently visited Ojha at her residence in Tikhiri and recorded her statement and those of local villagers. Ojha alleged that she was abused and assaulted by police after being taken from the BDO’s office on June 11. She claimed the incident followed her demand for clearance of pending bills for development works and that officials were obstructing the projects.
During its four-day inquiry, the team is expected to record statements of eyewitnesses, doctors at the Kendrapara District Headquarters Hospital and others connected with the case. It will also examine official records, available video footage and scrutinise the police and administrative versions, officials said.
It was also alleged that Ojha was implicated in a criminal case registered on the BDO’s complaint, and booked under charges including attempt to murder, causing hurt and obstructing a public servant.
The NHRC had earlier sought a report from the Kendrapara District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police. The SP reported that three FIRs had been registered in connection with the incident and described them as cross-cases.
Ojha had earlier approached Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, alleging that officials were withholding payments for completed development works.
