Dikhyaa Mohanty 
The National Commission for Women (NCW) has sought an action taken report (ATR) from Odisha DGP within three days in the case pertaining to alleged custodial abuse of an Army officer and his fiancée by the police. A formal letter has been sent by the NCW to the DGP requesting an ATR. The NCW sought the ATR after taking suo motu cognizance of the allegations made by the Army officer and his lady friend. Further, the NCW expects urgent disciplinary action.
An Army officer and his fiancée were allegedly attacked and insulted at the Bharatpur police station on the evening of September 14, when they went to report a road rage incident. This is how the issue started. The duo was reported by the police to have misbehaved with staff members who were on duty. While his fiancée was taken into custody for allegedly assaulting police officers, the Army officer was only issued a notice after being booked and released.
But once the case’s specifics were known, accusations started to circulate, claiming that the couple was mistreated and humiliated rather than having their complaint heard. Numerous groups, including the Defence establishment and the communities of former service members, condemned this widely, and they came together to support the Army officer and his fiancée.
A fair investigation was ensured by the removal of three police personnel, including Inspector-in-Charge Dinakrushna Mishra, from their posts after DGP YB Khurania ordered a Crime Branch probe on Tuesday in response to growing demand. Calls for an impartial investigation of the tragedy have persisted in spite of these measures.
Five police officers from the Bharatpur police station, including IIC Mishra, SI Baisalini Panda, ASIs Salilamayee Sahoo and Sagarika Rath, and constable Balaram Hansda, were suspended by DGP Khurania due to growing public outcry. Until further notice, they shall continue to be subject to the Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Police Commissioner’s disciplinary actions. In the meantime, on Thursday, DGP Khurania gave the police instructions to file a complaint against the hooligans who are suspected of attacking the Army officer and his fiancée on September 14 in Bhubaneswar.
