Lagatar24 Desk
Bhubaneswar: The alleged sexual abuse of an Army officer’s fiancée while in police custody at Bharatpur Police Station in Bhubaneswar has sparked outrage, with Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik demanding a judicial inquiry into the incident. Patnaik termed the event “very shocking” and called for a court-monitored Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe to ensure swift justice.
The woman, who runs a restaurant in Bhubaneswar, accused the police of sexual harassment and physical abuse after she and her fiancé sought help at the station following an altercation with a group of people. She alleged that police personnel at the station misbehaved with her, assaulted her, and committed horrifying acts of abuse. The incident has deeply shocked the nation, with calls for immediate and strict action.
In response, the Odisha Police suspended five personnel from Bharatpur Police Station for gross misconduct. The suspended officers are accused of mistreating both the Army officer and his fiancée. Chief Minister Patnaik, who leads the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), criticized the ruling BJP government in the state, blaming its negligence and highlighting the need for reforms in police conduct.
Patnaik expressed his condemnation on social media, stating that the treatment of the Army Major and his fiancée “has shaken the conscience of the country.” He also criticized the BJP government for discontinuing pro-people initiatives like Mo Sarkar, which was aimed at ensuring citizens were treated with dignity in government offices and police stations.
Meanwhile, the National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo motu cognizance of the incident and sought an action taken report from the Director General of Police (DGP) within three days.
Five Disturbing Details of the Army Officer’s Fiancée’s Account:
- Ignored Plea for Help: The woman recounted how, after being attacked by a group of people, she and her fiancé sought help at Bharatpur Police Station. Instead of registering her complaint, the police personnel allegedly misbehaved with her.
- Physical Assault: The victim alleged that two female police officers began physically assaulting her after she protested the unlawful detention of her fiancé, who is an Army Major.
- Brutal Treatment: She described being dragged through the corridors of the police station, beaten, and tied up with her own jacket and scarf by the police.
- Sexual Assault: In her shocking account, the victim alleged that a male officer kicked her repeatedly, removed her bra, and molested her. She also claimed that the station inspector made obscene gestures and taunted her with inappropriate remarks.
- NCW Intervention: The National Commission for Women has called for urgent disciplinary action against the accused officers and demanded swift investigation and justice.
A protest was also staged by women activists demanding the immediate arrest of the police personnel involved in the incident. The Odisha High Court is set to hear the plea for cancellation of the FIR filed against the Army officer and his fiancée later this month.
