In a significant development, the Odisha Chief Minister, Naveen Patnaik, has ordered the Crime Branch to investigate the alleged assault on a serving Army officer and a woman at Bharatpur Police Station in Bhubaneswar. The decision comes after shocking allegations surfaced regarding the mistreatment of the two individuals by police personnel, leading to public outrage and demands for swift justice.
Government’s Serious Response to the Incident
On September 20, 2024, the Odisha Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) issued a statement acknowledging the gravity of the situation and the need for an expedited investigation. According to the statement, the government has taken the incident “very seriously” and has already initiated legal and departmental actions, including suspending the police officers involved.
“The Government has taken a very serious view of the alleged misbehaviour and assault on a serving Army officer and the woman accompanying him inside Bharatpur Police Station, Bhubaneswar. Crime Branch has been directed to conduct an expeditious investigation into the matter,” the CMO said in its official communication. The Odisha government emphasized that women’s security is a top priority, reaffirming its “Zero Tolerance” policy toward crimes against women.
The announcement came shortly after the woman involved in the case spoke out, accusing police officials of sexually assaulting her while in custody. She detailed her harrowing experience, prompting public calls for accountability and swift legal action.
Recap of the Incident
The incident in question occurred in the early hours of September 18, 2024. According to the female victim, she and the Army officer were returning from her restaurant around 1 a.m. when they encountered a group of young men who harassed them. Seeking assistance, they went to the Bharatpur Police Station to file a formal complaint.
Upon arrival, they were met with hostility. The woman claimed that a female constable, who was not in uniform, verbally abused her when they requested a patrol vehicle for protection. Instead of offering help, the situation deteriorated, and more police personnel arrived at the station.
The female victim recounted that the Army officer was taken into custody after being asked to write a complaint. When she objected to the unlawful detention, she said she was physically assaulted by two female officers. “They grabbed me by the neck, and when I resisted, one of them started assaulting me. I had no choice but to defend myself,” she stated. Her resistance led to further escalation, including claims that a male officer entered the room where she was held, kicked her multiple times, and made lewd gestures, exposing himself to her.
These allegations of sexual assault, along with the improper detention of a serving Army officer, have sparked widespread criticism and calls for a thorough probe into the matter.
Political Backlash and Demands for Accountability
The alleged misconduct has led to political uproar in Odisha, with opposition parties criticizing the state government for its handling of the situation. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which leads the state government, has faced a barrage of criticism from the opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD).
Naveen Patnaik, former Chief Minister of Odisha and leader of the BJD, condemned the incident in strong terms. He stated that the way the Army officer and the woman were treated is “shocking and beyond comprehension.” Patnaik further criticized the current BJP-led government for allegedly allowing such misconduct to occur under its watch.
Patnaik also took the opportunity to highlight the contrast between the current administration and his previous government’s policies, particularly the now-discontinued Mo Sarkar initiative. Under Mo Sarkar, citizens were encouraged to provide feedback on their experiences with government offices, including police stations, ensuring transparency and accountability in official conduct. He suggested that the suspension of such people-friendly measures has led to incidents like the Bharatpur Police Station assault.
In addition to his strong condemnation, Patnaik called for a judicial inquiry into the incident and demanded a court-monitored Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe to ensure accountability and justice.
Ongoing Investigation
With the Crime Branch now officially tasked with investigating the case, expectations are high for a thorough and impartial probe. The allegations of sexual assault, combined with the improper handling of a serving Army officer, have added to the urgency for a resolution.
As of now, the police officers involved in the incident have been suspended, and both legal and departmental inquiries are underway. The Odisha government’s commitment to a “Zero Tolerance” policy against crimes, especially those involving women, is under the microscope as the investigation unfolds.
Public and political attention remains sharply focused on this case, with the government facing pressure to ensure that those responsible are held accountable. The Crime Branch’s findings will likely play a crucial role in determining the next steps in this highly sensitive and high-profile case.
(With inputs from agencies)
