Odisha CM Majhi orders judicial probe into police assault on Army officer, fiancee

As many as five police officials have been placed under suspension by the state police following widespread furor over the incident

PGurus Newsdesk

September 23, 2024

As many as five police officials have been placed under suspension by the state police following widespread furor over the incident

Odisha CM Majhi orders inquiry into Army officer & fiancee assault case after high-level meet

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has initiated a judicial inquiry into the alleged police assault on an Army Major and his fianceeat the Bharatpur Police Station on September 15.

The decision comes in response to widespread public outcry following the incident, which has raised serious concerns about police conduct.

In a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), CM Majhi announced the inquiry after a high-level meeting with Deputy Chief Ministers K V Singh Deo and Pravati Parida, along with key ministers and senior officials, including the Director General of Police, Y B Khurania. The inquiry will be led by Justice Chittaranjan Das, who will be mandated to submit a report within 60 days.

Prior to the announcement, Deputy CMs Singh Deo and Parida, along with other ministers, met with the victims at the state guest house to discuss the matter. The meeting included the fiancée’s father and several retired Army officials, underscoring the seriousness with which the government is treating the incident.

CM Majhi emphasized the state’s commitment to the rule of law and reiterated that the government holds the Indian Army in high regard. He assured that the safety, dignity, and rights of women are paramount, stating that all officers involved in the assault have been suspended, and legal action is being taken against them.

The incident reportedly began when Army officer Gurvansh Singh Gosal, attached to the 22nd Sikh Regiment in Jalpaiguri, and his fiancée visited the Bharatpur Police Station to file a complaint regarding a road rage incident. Tensions escalated, leading to allegations that police officials assaulted Gosal and forcibly detained his fiancée in a cell. Reports indicate that she was subjected to further mistreatment by police personnel.

In light of the outrage sparked by the incident, five police officials have already been suspended, and the Odisha government has requested the Orissa High Court to expedite a Crime Branch investigation into the matter.

The Chief Minister assured the public of stringent actions against anyone found guilty, reinforcing the government’s dedication to accountability and justice.

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