Interview Times 
BHUBANESWAR: An incident involving an Army officer and his fiancée at Bharatpur police station has sparked widespread controversy and drawn national attention after the woman accused police officers of assault and harassment. The couple, Army Major Guruwant Singh and Ankita Pradhan, reportedly went to the station on September 15 to file a complaint following a road rage incident but instead faced physical mistreatment by the police.
According to Ankita’s allegations, she was molested and assaulted while in custody. She claimed that the Inspector-in-Charge (IIC) of Bharatpur station and other officers physically abused her, including being stripped and dragged by her hair. The woman alleged that she was repeatedly assaulted and locked in a room, leading to severe injuries. Videos circulating online have intensified public outrage, showing her engaging in a heated argument with youths prior to arriving at the station. Speculation arose that she and her fiancé were intoxicated, though the couple denied the claims.
The Odisha police, however, presented a different account. Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Police Commissioner Sanjeeb Panda stated that the couple arrived at the station in an inebriated state and refused to cooperate with an alcohol test. Police accused the woman of assaulting female officers during her time at the station, leading to her arrest. Despite these claims, the woman’s injuries, including a dislocated jaw and broken tooth, have raised serious concerns.
In response to the allegations, five police officers, including the IIC, were suspended pending further investigation. The Odisha government has ordered a judicial inquiry into the matter, with retired judge Justice Chittaranjan Das appointed to lead the probe, expected to submit its findings within 60 days.
The case has become a flashpoint for discussions around police conduct and treatment of civilians. Public opinion remains divided, with some netizens supporting the police’s actions, while others demand justice for the alleged mistreatment of the Army officer and his fiancée. The National Commission for Women has also taken cognizance of the incident, and Army officials are actively monitoring the case, ensuring legal recourse is pursued if necessary.
