Odisha journalist thrashed, chained to hospital bed after arrest

A journalist from Odisha was allegedly thrashed and chained to a hospital bed by a police official in Balasore for reporting on a corruption case involving the local police. As protests grew, the police official, PS Draupadi Das was transferred to District Police Headquarters.

According to the reports, the journalist identified as Loknath Dalei, who was arrested by Nilagiri Police in Balasore, was seen lying on the floor with his leg chained to the hospital bed, where he was admitted for treatment.

Dalei was hospitalised after he was called for questioning in connection with a case of abusing and assaulting a home guard. Dalei was reportedly beaten up by the police in charge when he arrived at the station.

Home guard Niranjan Rana had on April 4, lodged a complaint at Nilgiri police station alleging that he was performing government duty when Dalei abused him verbally and assaulted him.

Based on the complaint filed by Rana, Dalei was detained and was allegedly tortured in police station by the in-charge Draupadi Das. As his condition deteriorated and he became unconscious, Dalei was shifted to the district headquarters hospital in Balasore. There his leg was allegedly cuffed with an iron chain.

 

The report further added that the incident came to light on Thursday after a photo of the journalist being chained was circulated by different media outlets. According to Dalei, the police official thrashed him intentionally as he held a grudge after Dalei reported on the involvement of the Nilagiri police in a corruption case. When reports of the thrashing emerged, journalists across the state took to the streets and demanded action against the police officer for the “insensitive act”.

Meanwhile, the Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) has taken suo moto cognizance of the incident. OHRC stated that Nilagiri Police allegedly assaulted Dalei and chained him to the bed while he was undergoing treatment at the Balasore district headquarters hospital.

 

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