Bhubaneswar, Odisha – In response to mounting public outrage, the Odisha government has initiated a judicial investigation into the alleged sexual assault of a 32-year-old woman, the fiancée of an army captain, at a local police station. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced that retired high court judge Chittaranjan Dash will lead the inquiry and is expected to submit a report within 60 days.
The incident, which reportedly occurred at the Bharatpur police station, has drawn significant attention after the woman claimed she was assaulted, beaten, and mistreated by police personnel. Allegations include molestation by a police inspector, who she accused of flashing at her during the incident.
Majhi confirmed that the police officers involved have been suspended, and criminal cases have been filed against them. Furthermore, charges have been registered against a group of youths allegedly involved in a prior brawl that prompted the couple’s visit to the police station. “The state government will ensure that the guilty are punished,” Majhi stated, emphasizing the government’s commitment to the safety and dignity of women.
On Sunday, Majhi held a meeting with senior officials and ministers, including KV Singh Deo and Pravati Parida, to discuss the case and provide support to the affected individuals. They met with the captain, his fiancée, her father, and former servicemen to assure them of the government’s commitment to justice.
The woman, a lawyer and restaurant owner, reported that she and her fiancé sought assistance at the police station after being involved in a dispute with a group of individuals. The captain has alleged that he was unlawfully detained while his fiancée was assaulted.
In a related development, seven engineering students were arrested for allegedly attacking the couple during the initial incident but were granted bail within just four hours. The swift legal actions have raised concerns about the handling of the case, as the community calls for accountability and justice.
Sources By Agencies