Bhubaneswar: An Assistant Sub-Inspector of police from Baliapal in Balasore district was suspended for allegedly forcing a minor into marriage and subjecting her to torture, a police official reported on Friday.
Amit Padhi, stationed in Puri district, reportedly connected with a 15/16-year-old Class 10 student from Jagatsinghpur district via Facebook. He coerced her into marriage in July 2024, forcing her to claim she was 22, according to the victim’s mother.
Post-marriage, Padhi and his family allegedly subjected the girl to physical and mental abuse before abandoning her at her family home in Jagatsinghpur.
Following a written complaint from the victim, a case was filed at Jagatsinghpur Town police station. The victim had previously warned Padhi of her intent to file a complaint, prompting him to flee from Puri. Jagatsinghpur SP Bhawani Sankar Udgata confirmed that Puri SP was informed, leading to Padhi’s suspension.
The absconding ASI faces charges under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act and other offences, with police actively pursuing him. Additionally, Padhi’s family members, also accused, surrendered in a local court as per a high court order and were granted bail.
