Armyman's fiancee sexually assaulted: Ex-Odisha CM Patnaik calls for probe
Biju Janata Dal (BJD) President and former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has called for a court-monitored SIT investigation and a judicial inquiry into the alleged sexual harassment of an Indian Army officer's fiancée while in police custody in Bhubaneswar. Patnaik, serving as the leader of the opposition in the Odisha assembly, strongly condemned the incident, describing it as "very shocking." He said that police's treatment of the officer and his fiancee has "shook the conscience of the country."
Patnaik criticizes BJP government's response
"This is very very shocking news of violence that was meted out to both of them and the alleged sexual assault on the Major's fiancee. We demand a full judicial inquiry into this matter and action must be taken very quickly," Patnaik said. The BJD chief stated that his party strongly condemned the "heinous" act and urged the Bharatiya Janata Party government to take the toughest possible action against everyone involved.
Here's what Patnaik said about the BJP government
"During our government, we had the #MoSarkar system, where the Chief Minister, Ministers, and Senior Officers would call citizens to get feedback on their experiences at government offices, including police stations and hospitals, ensuring they were treated with dignity and professionalism." Patnaik further claimed, "This BJP government has immediately stopped the pro-people initiative of Mo Sarkar, and the consequences are visible."
Five officers suspended
On Wednesday, the Odisha Police suspended five officers linked to the alleged assault of an Army officer and the "molestation" of his fiancee at Bharatpur Police Station in Bhubaneswar. According to an order from Director General of Police (DGP) YB Khurania, the five personnel were suspended due to gross misconduct. On Friday, a group of women activists staged a dharna outside the Police Bhavan, demanding the arrest of the police officers allegedly involved in the incident.
Why was the Odisha woman arrested
The woman, a restaurant owner in Bhubaneswar, shared her account of the incident on Thursday after being discharged from AIIMS Bhubaneswar, where she was treated for multiple injuries, including a dislocated jaw. She had been arrested by the police on charges of assaulting them but was granted bail by the Orissa High Court on Wednesday. The court will hear her petition to dismiss the FIR filed against her and the Army officer on September 26.
Allegations against police officers
The woman said, on Sunday, she and her fiance escaped a group of assailants and went to Bharatpur Police Station for help. However, a female constable allegedly misbehaved with her and refused to register the complaint. When her fiance was unlawfully locked up, the woman protested and was physically assaulted by two female officers. She also claimed she was dragged through the station, tied up, and kicked by a male officer who molested her, while another officer made inappropriate advances.
NCW takes cognizance of the incident
Meanwhile, the National Commission for Women (NCW) took suo moto cognizance of the incident and requested an action taken report from the Director General of Police (DGP). "A formal letter has been sent to the DGP, requesting an action taken report within 3 days. Urgent disciplinary action is expected," the NCW posted on X. Additionally, a case was filed at Chandaka Police Station against unidentified people accused of misbehaving with the Army officer and the woman.
