Odisha custodial assault case: Army, police veterans spar on Twitter
The alleged torture of an Army officer and sexual assault of his fiancee at a police station in Odisha has sparked a heated debate between retired military and police personnel. While Army veterans have condemned the incident as "shameful and horrendous," retired police officers have questioned the couple's behavior, alleging they were intoxicated at the time. The controversy was fueled by viral videos purportedly showing the couple involved in a brawl with a group of people.
Army veterans demand action against police personnel
Former Army chief general VK Singh has called for immediate action against the police personnel involved, labeling them as "criminals in uniform." Major Gaurav Arya echoed these sentiments, stating that there is "no forgiveness" for the alleged mistreatment and humiliation of a lady by Odisha police. Major General Harsha Kakar also criticized the Odisha Police for allegedly protecting wrongdoers within their ranks.
Retired police officers question army officer's conduct
On the other hand, former CBI director M Nageswara Rao and the Odisha Retired Police Officers Welfare Association have questioned whether any action was taken against the Army officer for alleged drink-driving and creating chaos at the police station. They emphasized that while errant police officers should be punished, it was not right to castigate the entire Odisha Police for an individual's actions.
Woman recounts ordeal, police deny allegations
The woman, who runs a restaurant in Bhubaneswar, spoke about the incident on September 19 shortly after being discharged from AIIMS Bhubaneswar. She had been arrested by the police on charges of assaulting them but was released on bail following an order from the Orissa High Court on September 18. The Odisha Police has denied all allegations of assault and sexual harassment leveled against it by the woman.
5 policemen suspended, NHRC seeks report
Following the incident, five police personnel were suspended and a judicial probe was ordered. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has also sought a report from the Odisha government and director general of police within four weeks.
