Odisha CM Mohan Majhi orders a time-bound judicial probe into custodial abuse case

A court monitored investigation by Crime Branch of Odisha police has also been announced; Justice Chitta Ranjan Das has been requested to complete probe within 60 days; meanwhile, the state government has suspended five police personnel of the Bharatpur police station

The Mohan Majhi Government has ordered a time-bound judicial probe into custodial abuse of army officer and his fiancée in a Bhubaneswar police station.

After returning from his Keonjhar district tour late in the evening, Mr. Majhi convened a high level meeting with two Deputy Chief Ministers, K. V. Singh Deo and Pravati Parida and announced institution of judicial commission under Justice Chitta Ranjan Das.

Besides, Odisha CM has requested Orissa High Court to monitor ongoing investigation by Crime Branch of Odisha police. Justice Chitta Ranjan Das has been requested to complete probe within 60 days.

In a statement issued late in the night, the government said the CM has always emphasised on governance guided by law. While having highest regard for the army, the government is very sensitive towards dignity, safety and rights of women

“In this incident, police officers have been placed under suspension and case has been instituted. Besides, actions have been taken against the youths who were accused of heckling the couple in the road rage case. The government which is committed to take strong action against guilty officer and all other persons involved in the case has taken all steps according to law,” says the Statement.

The meeting was attended by senior ministers such as Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan, Advocate General Pitambar Acharya, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Home Secretary Satyabrata Sahu and Director General of Police Y. B. Khurania.

Prior to Mr. Majhi’s chairing the high level meeting, two deputy Chief Ministers and other senior ministers had met army officer and his fiancée who was allegedly faced molestation and sexual harassment inside Bharatpur police station. Antaryami Pradhan, Brigadier (Retd) and father of the woman and other retired army personnel, were also present in the meeting.

The judicial probe was announced soon after Odisha police officers mobilized support in favour of Bharatpur police personnel accused of assaulting and molesting the woman in the custody. Retired police personnel had met Commissioner of Police Sanjeeb Panda. Both serving and retired police officers had staged demonstration demanding withdrawal of suspension order issued against five police officers.

Principal opposition party Biju Janata Dal President and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had demanded a judicial probe into the incident. He had also called for court monitor Special Instigation Team to take the case to its logical end. The BJD has called for a six hour Bhubaneswar Bandh on September 24 (Tuesday).

Published - September 23, 2024 08:11 am IST