A high-level inquiry has intensified in Kendrapada district following a three-member special delegation from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) arriving to investigate the controversial case involving Tikhiri Panchayat’s Dalit woman Sarpanch, Chameli Ojha.
The team stationed itself at the Mahakalapada police station to conduct detailed interrogations.
The controversy dates back to June 11, when Sarpanch Chameli Ojha lodged a written complaint accusing block administration officials of corruption. She alleged that inside the chamber of the Mahakalapada Block Development Officer (BDO), she was subjected to caste-based slurs, misbehaviour, and physical assault. Conversely, the administration and police filed counter-allegations accusing the Sarpanch of obstructing official work and misbehaving. Following the incident, police arrested Chameli from her hospital bed and forwarded her to court, though she was later released on bail.
Taking serious note of the allegations regarding the mistreatment of an elected representative and Dalit woman, along with the subsequent police action, the NHRC deployed its team to conduct an impartial probe. At the Mahakalapada police station, the commission members are rigorously questioning local police officials, the BDO, and other block staff.
After recording statements from officials and eyewitnesses, the NHRC team is expected to visit the incident site for on-ground verification and meet with the complainant, Chameli Ojha, to hear her version of events. This high-level intervention has sparked intense local discussion, with expectations mounting that accountability will be ensured and strict action will be taken against any officials found guilty.
