Judicial inquiry commences into alleged custody assault of Army officer in Odisha

Bhubaneswar, Sept 30: A week after the Odisha government ordered a judicial investigation into the alleged assault of an Army officer and his fiancée while in police custody, the Commission of Inquiry commenced its work on Monday. The inquiry is chaired by Justice (Retd) Chitta Ranjan Dash, a former judge of both the Orissa and Calcutta High Courts, and is focused on the events that unfolded at the Bharatpur Police Station in Bhubaneswar.

Initial proceedings of the Commission began at an office established in the Special Circuit House in Bhubaneswar. The panel is expected to issue formal notifications and invite affidavits from various parties involved in the incident.

According to sources, Director General of Police (DGP) Y.B. Khurania and other senior officials were present as the inquiry was initiated. The state government has already outlined the terms of reference for the Commission.

The incident has sparked nationwide outrage, leading Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to announce the judicial probe a week prior. The Commission has been tasked with delivering its report within 60 days.

In addition to the judicial inquiry, the Crime Branch is also conducting its own investigation into the matter.

The Army officer and his fiancée had initially visited the Bharatpur police station on September 15 to report a road rage incident involving harassment by local youths. However, a verbal altercation ensued between the couple and police personnel, which allegedly escalated into an assault on both individuals at the police station. The woman was reportedly sexually assaulted by police officials during the incident.

During the assault, she was allegedly molested and subjected to inappropriate behavior within the station. In a desperate bid to defend herself, she reportedly bit one of the officers. Subsequently, she was arrested for allegedly creating a disturbance and assaulting a female officer, while the Army officer was detained in a lockup, unable to intervene.