The Justice Chitta Ranjan Das Commission, tasked with investigating alleged police misconduct involving a serving army officer and his fiancée, has submitted its findings to the Odisha government.
The 282-page report, handed to the Home Department Secretary, encapsulates an extensive investigation spanning over 525 affidavits and the interrogation of five individuals since October 1, 2024.
The incident in question occurred on the night of September 15, 2024, when the army officer and his fiancée were allegedly harassed and assaulted by a group of hooligans near Patharagadia. The couple, returning home after closing the fiancée’s restaurant, sought refuge at Bharatpur police station, only to encounter further alleged abuse from the police.
The army officer’s fiancée accused the police of custodial torture, including sexual assault, leading to a nationwide uproar. The Orissa High Court later intervened, granting her bail after an initial denial by a lower court.
In response to the allegations, five police officials, including the Inspector In-Charge of Bharatpur police station, have been suspended. The state government has also ordered a Crime Branch probe into the incident.
The commission’s findings have yet to be fully disclosed to the public, but the incident continues to draw significant attention and calls for justice.
