Odisha Police face protests after Army Major's alleged mistreatment at Bharatpur station; NCW demands action, investigation intensifies.
Bhubaneswar: A significant dispute between the Bharatpur police and an Army Major has sparked political and public outrage, prompting an urgent response from the Odisha Police Service Association. An emergency meeting is scheduled to take place in Bhubaneswar this Sunday, with over 40 senior officers, including DSPs and ASPs, expected to attend.
The controversy, which has now gained national attention, revolves around the alleged mistreatment of Indian Army Major Guruvansh Singh and his companion, Ankita Pradhan, at Bharatpur Police Station. This incident, which occurred last week, has led to a wave of protests within the police force and raised serious questions about law enforcement conduct in the state.
Police Protest Against Disciplinary Action
Hundreds of police personnel gathered in Bhubaneswar on Saturday evening in a rare display of defiance, protesting against the action taken against their colleagues following the incident. The protest took place at the Bhubaneswar Reserve Ground, with many officers voicing their concerns over what they believe to be unjust treatment.
The Odisha Police Service Association has called for a larger protest in response to the disciplinary action taken against five police officers involved in the case. The association's organizational secretary, Umesh Chandra Sahu, addressed the media, expressing deep concerns over the handling of the situation.
Speaking at a press conference, Sahu described the alleged incident between the police and the Army Major as "extremely unfortunate," but urged that the investigation is ongoing and that no officer has yet been proven guilty. He further stated that if the suspended police personnel are found innocent, their suspension will be lifted.
NCW Demands Investigation Report
Adding to the growing tension, the National Commission for Women (NCW) has stepped in, writing to Odisha's Director General of Police (DGP), Y.B. Khurania, seeking a detailed report on the incident. The NCW has specifically raised concerns over allegations of physical and sexual assault on Ankita Pradhan, the companion of Major Singh, during their time in police custody.
The commission has requested that a report be submitted within three days, outlining the actions taken so far. Additionally, the NCW has demanded disciplinary action against any officers found to have been negligent in their duties.
Suspension of Police Officers and Legal Action
Earlier, Odisha DGP Y.B. Khurania had taken swift action by suspending five police officers, including the IIC of Bharatpur Police Station, Dinakrushna Mishra, following the allegations. The suspended officers include SI Vaishalini Panda, ASI Salima Mayee Sahu, ASI Sagarika Rath, and Constable Balaram Handa. Legal cases have also been registered against the individuals accused of harassing Major Singh and Ankita on the road prior to their arrival at the police station.
Ankita Pradhan's Heart-Wrenching Testimony
In a shocking turn of events, Ankita Pradhan, Major Singh's companion, has spoken out about the ordeal. Her emotional account has drawn widespread attention and raised further questions about the conduct of the police involved. In a tearful interview with the media, Ankita revealed disturbing details of how both she and Major Singh were mistreated by police officers at Bharatpur Police Station.
According to Ankita, on the night of August 15th, while returning from a restaurant, a group of miscreants harassed them on the road. After managing to escape, the two sought refuge at Bharatpur Police Station to file a complaint. However, instead of assistance, they were met with hostility and abuse.
Ankita described how Major Singh was thrown into custody by a male officer, while she was physically assaulted by two female officers. The situation escalated when, according to Ankita, she was choked by a female constable and had to bite her hand in self-defense. She was then tied up and locked in a room, where she endured further physical abuse.
"The IIC arrived in the early hours and physically assaulted me," Ankita told reporters, adding that Major Singh was also subjected to ill-treatment during the incident.
Political Uproar and National Attention
The Bharatpur incident has quickly escalated beyond state politics, stirring national debate over police accountability and the treatment of military personnel. Political leaders have condemned the incident, calling for a transparent and impartial investigation.
This incident comes at a time when police reform and accountability are hotly debated topics across the country. As investigations continue, the public and media will be watching closely to see how both the Odisha Police and state government respond to these serious allegations.
With the Odisha Police Service Association’s emergency meeting on the horizon and mounting pressure from national bodies like the NCW, the next few days will likely be pivotal in determining the outcome of this deeply concerning case.
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