Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi Orders Inquiry into Police Misconduct Against Army Captain and Fiancee

Bhubaneshwar (Odisha) [India], September 23: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has announced a judicial inquiry into allegations of custodial violence against an Army Captain and his fiancee at the Bharatpur police station.

The Odisha Government has set up a commission of inquiry led by Justice (Retired) Chittaranjan Das, who is expected to submit a report within 60 days. The Chief Minister confirmed that the concerned police officers have been suspended and a case has been registered against them.

In an official notification, the Odisha government expressed deep concern over the incident, which involved allegations of assault and misbehavior against the Army officer and his fiancee. The notification emphasized the matter’s public importance, warranting an inquiry under the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952.

The commission will investigate the sequence of events leading to the reported incidents, the roles and accountability of individuals involved, and will suggest measures to prevent future occurrences of similar incidents and ensure the security of women.

The incident reportedly took place on September 15 when the Army Major and the woman went to the Bharatpur police station to complain against some miscreants who had harassed them while returning from a hotel late at night. Instead of addressing their concerns, the police allegedly tortured the Major and the woman, even sending her to jail without any justification.

Earlier on Sunday, the District Court granted bail to all seven accused in the alleged assault case of the Army officer and his fiancee. The seven arrested were Rakesh Naik, Abhilash Sawant, Aman Kumar, Aditya Ranjan Behra, Akash Padhiyari, Harish Manta, and Ashish Kumar.