Odisha: Army officer's fiancee alleges sexual assault by cops
An army officer's fiancee, who was arrested last week and released on bail Wednesday on charges of assaulting police officers and vandalizing police property, has now alleged that she was sexually harassed. She also claimed that her partner was illegally detained while they were trying to file a complaint at a police station near Odisha's Bhubaneswar. Following the allegations, five police officers—including an Inspector-rank officer—have been suspended pending a disciplinary procedure for "gross misconduct," according to Odisha Police HQ.
Woman alleges assault while filing complaint
The woman claimed that she and her fiance were attacked by a group of men late Sunday night while returning home from her restaurant. They sought to file a complaint at Bharatpur Police Station, but were met with resistance from a female constable in civilian clothes. "When we reached the police station only a woman constable was there, in civil dress," and she refused to help us, the Army officer's fiancee told reporters.
Woman describes alleged misconduct by police officers
The woman further alleged that after the constable began verbally abusing her, more male officers arrived and demanded a written statement from her partner. These policemen then allegedly threw the Army officer into a jail cell. "I don't know what happened... they put him in the lock-up. When I raised my voice to say they cannot put an Army officer in custody as it is unlawful, two female officers assaulted me," she claimed.
Woman alleges sexual harassment
The woman also claimed that she was sexually harassed by a male officer who "kicked on my breasts several times..." and forcibly removed her pants. She further alleged that the Inspector-in-charge of the police station made obscene gestures. Meanwhile the police have said that the woman and her fiance, attached to the 22 Sikh Regiment in Kolkata, had attacked an on-duty officer while drunk and vandalized computers and furniture inside the police station.
Counter FIR filed
The woman was later arrested and granted bail by the Odisha High Court this week. Under the direction of Director-General of Police YB Khurania, a complaint was also filed Thursday at Chandaka Police Station to investigate her claim of being waylaid and harassed by hooligans while returning home late night on September 15. She received treatment for injuries at AIIMS, Bhubaneswar; videos shared online showed her in a neck brace with her right arm in a sling.
National Commission for Women demands report
Separately, the National Commission for Women has taken suo moto cognizance of this incident and demanded a report from the police. "Urgent disciplinary action is expected..." Additionally, Odisha Police's Crime Branch has been ordered to investigate this case. Further investigation in the case underway.
