Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has ordered a judicial inquiry into the alleged assault on an Army officer and his fiancée at the Bharatpur police station. The incident, which occurred on September 15, has sparked public outrage and political reactions, leading to the suspension of police personnel and a series of legal actions.
Incident and Allegations
The confrontation took place when the Army officer and his fiancée visited the Bharatpur police station to file a complaint following a road rage incident. According to their account, the couple was assaulted by the police, and the woman was allegedly “sexually harassed and molested” by officers at the station. The Army officer also accused a group of students of physical assault and harassment during the same night.
The alleged misbehaviour by police personnel has stirred controversy, especially with claims of law enforcement overreach. The couple’s ordeal has gained significant attention, with widespread demands for accountability and justice.
Judicial Inquiry Ordered
Following the public and political outcry, Chief Minister Majhi held a high-level meeting with key state officials, including Deputy Chief Ministers K V Singh Deo and Pravati Parida, as well as ministers of revenue, law, and senior officers. After deliberations, the Chief Minister announced that a judicial inquiry would be conducted to investigate the allegations.
The inquiry will be led by retired High Court Justice Chittaranjan Das and is expected to submit its findings within 60 days. A gazette notification formalizing the inquiry was issued by the Home Department. In a statement, Majhi emphasized the state government’s commitment to taking strict action against anyone found guilty, underlining the importance of upholding the law and ensuring the safety and dignity of all citizens, particularly women.
“The state government is committed to taking strict action against all persons or officials who are found guilty,” said Chief Minister Majhi in his statement.
Legal Actions and Police Response
As the judicial inquiry gets underway, five police personnel from the Bharatpur police station have been suspended. Additionally, a case has been registered against these officers, reflecting the seriousness with which the government is treating the allegations. In parallel, the group of students accused of assaulting the Army officer and his fiancée have been arrested and brought before a court. These individuals were involved in a scuffle with the woman at Chandaka Road in the early hours of September 15. The students were granted bail on Saturday, as per the local court’s decision.
A fresh case was registered at Chandaka Police Station following the incident, as confirmed by Bhubaneswar’s Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Krushnaprasad Das. The arrests of the students were ordered by Odisha’s Director General of Police (DGP) YB Khurania. The students now face charges under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including wrongful restraint, voluntarily causing hurt, obscene acts, and joint criminal liability.
BJD Calls Off Bhubaneswar Shutdown
In response to the incident, the opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) initially announced a six-hour shutdown (bandh) in Bhubaneswar for September 24, protesting the assault on the Army officer and his fiancée. However, the party reversed its decision after the Odisha government ordered the judicial inquiry. BJD leader Arun Sahu confirmed this decision during a press meet, stating that the protest would be called off in light of the judicial inquiry.
The shutdown had been planned to cover Bhubaneswar and nearby areas, condemning the alleged police brutality. The decision to cancel the bandh was made shortly after the official announcement of the inquiry by Justice Chitta Ranjan Dash, whose investigation is expected to bring clarity to the case within the next two months.
Public and Political Reactions
The incident has ignited strong reactions from political parties, civic groups, and the public. The demand for a court-monitored Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe alongside the judicial inquiry has been voiced by opposition leaders. They argue that a SIT would add transparency and oversight to the investigation, ensuring a fair and impartial review of the facts.
As the inquiry proceeds, both the government and the opposition are closely monitoring developments. The case has become a focal point of public discourse on police accountability, with the Odisha government under pressure to demonstrate its commitment to justice and rule of law.
This case will likely set a precedent for how similar allegations of police misconduct are handled in the future, with both the judicial inquiry and ongoing legal proceedings expected to shape public confidence in the state’s ability to uphold justice.
(With inputs from agencies)
