Video shows assault on Army officer, friend in Odisha
A video has surfaced online showing an Indian Army officer and his female companion being assaulted by a group of men in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The incident reportedly occurred around 1:00am on Sunday as the pair were returning to their hotel after closing her restaurant for the day. The footage, which appears to have been recorded on a mobile phone, shows the woman arguing with some men who had allegedly misbehaved with her.
Woman alleges misbehavior, argument escalates
In the video, the woman can be heard telling a man that some people around her had tried to misbehave with her. "Sir, I am not speaking with you, I am speaking with the people who are trying to misbehave with me...Whether I show my legs or my hair, it is my prerogative," she says in Hindi. The argument escalates when one man tells her not to "show it" to them and another mentions a politician's name.
Army officer, woman manhandled amid heated argument
As the situation worsens, the Army officer attempts to escort the woman away. However, they are followed by the men who continue to argue and accuse her of playing the "victim card." The confrontation turns physical when one man slams their car door and others assault the officer who is trying to protect his companion. They are then separated and manhandled further before managing to leave for a police station.
Alleged sexual harassment at police station
The woman claimed that upon reaching the Bharatpur police station in Bhubaneswar, they were met with further hostility. She alleged that a female constable in civilian clothes was present but refused to assist them. The woman also accused two female officers of assaulting her and a male officer of sexually harassing her. In contrast, police officials at the station alleged that the woman and Army officer assaulted a police officer while intoxicated and damaged property there.
Suspension and investigation following alleged misconduct
Following these allegations, the Odisha Police headquarters announced the suspension of five officers, including an Inspector-rank officer, for "gross misconduct." An investigation into the incident is now being conducted by officials from another police station. The woman was arrested but has since been granted bail by the Odisha High Court. Former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has called for a judicial probe into the assault at the police station, demanding swift action.
