Odisha DGP orders Crime Branch inquiry into alleged police assault on Army Major

Bhubaneswar, Sept 17: Director General of Police (DGP) Y.B. Khurania today ordered a Crime Branch investigation into allegations of custodial misconduct and molestation involving an Army Major’s fiancée at Bharatpur police station in Bhubaneswar. The DGP also directed the withdrawal of the complaint filed against the fiancée.

The Army officer, stationed in West Bengal, and his fiancée claim they were subjected to severe abuse by on-duty officers at Bharatpur police station early Sunday morning when they went to file a road rage complaint. They allege that police officers not only assaulted them but also attempted to cover up their actions by falsely accusing them of assaulting and mistreating the police staff.

According to the couple, a verbal altercation ensued when they asked for prompt action, and the situation deteriorated when they requested to speak with senior officials. The Major was reportedly detained in a lockup, and his fiancée was allegedly taken to a private room by a female officer, where she was assaulted, stripped, and molested. Additionally, the Bharatpur police station IIC is accused of threatening to rape her.

The Major was reportedly detained for over 10 hours before being released following intervention from Army authorities. The couple was subsequently taken to a private hospital, where it was confirmed that the woman had a dislocated jaw, a broken nose, and several other injuries. They were later returned to the police station, where the fiancée was arrested on fabricated charges.

In response, the Surya Command IA posted on social media, stating, “An incident involving the manhandling of an Army officer by Bharatpur Police Station, Orissa, has been reported. The Indian Army views this matter seriously and has engaged state authorities for necessary action.”