Recently, the Odisha government has ordered a judicial inquiry into the alleged sexual assault of a 32-year-old woman, the fiance of an army captain, at the Bharatpur police station in Bhubaneswar. Retired High Court Judge Chittaranjan Dash has been appointed to lead the probe, with a report due within 60 days. A sitting High Court judge will oversee the ongoing Criminal Investigation Department (CID) inquiry.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi confirmed the suspension of the police officers involved, stating that criminal charges have been filed against both the officers and those involved in the altercation preceding the alleged assault. He emphasised the government’s commitment to ensuring justice and upholding the dignity and safety of women.
The woman, a lawyer by profession, alleges she was assaulted and molested by police personnel when she and her fiance visited the police station to file a complaint. The captain, in his First Information Report (FIR), also accused the police of detaining him unlawfully and assaulting his fiance. The case has drawn widespread attention, with calls for swift action from former army chiefs and other officials.