VK Singh, Rahul Gandhi react to Odisha police station horror
Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, along with former Army chief general (retired) VK Singh, have expressed their outrage over the alleged torture of an Indian Army officer and sexual assault of his fiancee inside a police station in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The incident has sparked widespread criticism against the Odisha government and police. "This 'heinous incident' is a shame on humanity," Rahul said.
Opposition leaders demand action against culprits
Opposition leaders and Army veterans have condemned the state's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government over the incident. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has assured that his government will take stringent action against the culprits. Rahul questioned the law and order situation under the BJP government, stating that "crimes against women have become completely uncontrolled and unbridled." He demanded strict punishment for all involved.
Priyanka Gandhi criticizes BJP's policing policy
Priyanka expressed her shock over the brutality and sexual violence committed by the Odisha police against the army officer's fiancee. She alleged that BJP governments across India are turning police "from protectors to predators." The Congress general secretary claimed that this "criminal attitude of the police toward crimes against women actually flourishes by getting protection from those in power."
Singh demands immediate action, case registered
Singh demanded that the Odisha chief minister take immediate action against the police personnel and all who are trying to shield "the criminals in police uniform." The Odisha Police Crime Branch has registered a case against five police personnel, including the inspector in charge of Bharatpur police station. They have been suspended following their alleged involvement in the assault.
Victim's account and aftermath of the incident
The woman, who was arrested and released on bail on Thursday for allegedly misbehaving with the Odisha police, claimed that she was sexually harassed after being taken into custody. "I don't know what happened, they put him (Army officer) in the lock-up. When I raised the voice that they cannot put an Army officer in custody as it is unlawful, two women officers started physically assaulting me," she alleged on Thursday.
Victim's father demands justice, NCW intervenes
The victim's father, a retired Brigadier, has demanded the arrest and dismissal of the cops for taking the law into their hands. The National Commission for Women (NCW), which took suo motu cognisance of the incident, sought an action taken report from the state DGP. Chief Minister Majhi assured that his government would not hesitate to take strong action against the culprits.
