Probe ordered into Army captain's 'torture', 'sexual assault' of fiancee
The Odisha government has ordered a judicial investigation into the alleged torture of an Indian Army officer and the sexual assault of his 32-year-old fiancee at a Bhubaneswar police station. According to a statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), Justice Chittaranjan Das will preside over the judicial probe, and the report will be submitted within 60 days. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi stated that a high court judge will also monitor the Criminal Investigation Department's ongoing investigation.
Police personnel suspended, criminal cases filed
Majhi confirmed that the police personnel involved in the alleged assault have been suspended and are facing criminal charges. He also stated that cases have been registered against those involved in a brawl preceding the alleged assault. "The state government will ensure that the guilty are punished," Majhi declared, emphasizing his administration's commitment to women's safety and respect for the army.
Victim's allegations and subsequent arrests
The victim, a lawyer and restaurant owner in Bhubaneswar, claimed that she was sexually assaulted, beaten, kicked, and dragged by police personnel. She accused a police inspector of indecent exposure and molestation. The couple had initially visited the station to file a complaint against a group of people who had engaged in an altercation with them. Following this incident, seven engineering students were arrested for allegedly attacking the captain and his fiancee but were granted bail within four hours.
Public outrage and political reactions to the incident
The alleged assault has triggered public outrage, with former army chiefs VP Malik and VK Singh among those demanding action. Opposition parties in Odisha, including the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress, staged protests in Bhubaneswar calling for action against the accused police officers. The Odisha Police Association, on the other hand, called for the revocation of suspension orders on five cops until they are found guilty.
