Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Police Association on Saturday came out in favour of their colleagues who were suspended for allegedly torturing an Army officer and his fiancée at Bharatpur police station.
The association today convened a press meet and demanded immediate withdrawal of the suspension on five officials of Bharatpur police station.
Association secretary Umesh Chandra Sahu said “As investigation is underway, there is no reason to suspend the police personnel. They should not be suspended until proven guilty. We demand the suspension be immediately revoked.” He also described the incident as very unfortunate.
A group of retired police officers also met Police Commissioner Sanjeeb Panda to voice similar concerns.
Retired officer Suryamani Tripathy remarked, “There is no point in suspending police personnel before they are found guilty. We will approach the DGP, Home Secretary, and the Chief Minister to demand the withdrawal of the suspensions.”
A former police officer has warned against damaging police morale by suspending colleagues before they are found guilty.
Director General of Police Y.B. Khurania suspended five police personnel, including Bharatpur police station’s former IIC Dinakrushna Mishra, for gross misconduct against the Army Major and his fiancée. Other suspended personnel include Sub-Inspector Baisalini Panda, Assistant Sub-Inspectors Salilamayee Sahoo and Sagarika Rath, Constable Balaram Hansda.
