Bhubaneswar: Leader of Opposition and former CM Naveen Patnaik today demanded judicial probe into the alleged police access against an Army officer and his female friend in Bharatpur police station here on last Sunday night.
Speaking to media persons here, Shri Patnaik said the way an army major and a lady were treated in Bharatpur police station is shocking and beyond comprehension.
The manner in which police have allegedly treated them has shook the conscience of the country, he said. BJD strongly condemns this heinous act and expects the BJP government to take the strongest possible action against all those involved.
Shri Patnaik said.
“During our government we had the system of Mo Sarkar in which Chief Minister, Ministers and senior officers would call the citizens to take feedback on their visits to government offices including police stations and hospitals , – whether they were treated with dignity and professional conduct,” pointed out the former CM.
He alleged that the BJP government has immediately stopped the pro people initiative of Mo Sarkar and the consequences are visible.
The day, he said, the BJP government refused to take action against the governor’s son on a serious case of assault , others got emboldened. He urged the government for action to be taken by this government against the Governor’s son.
The Leader of Opposition demanded for a court monitored SIT probe and a judicial inquiry into this grave incident against an army major and the lady.
Meanwhile, the Crime Branch has registered a case against five police officials of Bharatpur police station for allegedly assaulting the army officer and his friend on that night.
The case was register on the basis of a written complaint lodged by the army major.
Yesterday, for the first time speaking to media persons, the woman said she was returning home with her friend, the Army officer, after closing her restaurant late at night when some men allegedly misbehaved with them.
“When we reached the police station to lodge a complaint, a woman constable was there in civil dress. We approached her to lodge our complaint and send a patrol vehicle to arrest the miscreants. Instead of helping us, she abused me,” the woman alleged.
“I don’t know what happened, they put him in the lockup. When I raised the voice that they cannot put an Army officer in custody as it is unlawful, two female officers started physically assaulting me,” she alleged.
The woman said she tried to fight back and bit on the hand of female police personnel when she tried to get hold of her neck.
The police personnel then put her in a room after tying her hands and legs, she alleged. “After some time, a male officer opened my inner and kicked on my chest portion several times.
He lowered down my pants and his as well. Showing his private part, he asked me how much time you want to remain silent,” she alleged.
Taking suo motu cognisance of the incident, the National Commission for Women sought an action taken report from the 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.
Meanwhile, another case was registered at the Chandaka Police Station against unidentified persons who allegedly misbehaved with the Army officer and the woman.