In a shocking incident, Gochhapada police in Phulbani, Odisha, arrested Sub-Inspector (SI) Smruti Sagar Samal on charges of rape and coercion. The accused, previously stationed at Gochhapada police station and currently serving at Kotagarh police station in Kandhamal district, allegedly lured and threatened the wife of a home guard to commit the crime.
According to the complaint, SI Samal used various inducements and threats to exploit the victim. He reportedly coerced her into a physical relationship by threatening to implicate her husband in a ganja smuggling case. Additionally, he allegedly pressured her to leave her husband, citing his low salary.
Following the complaint, Gochhapada police registered a case under Section 376(2)(n) of the Indian Penal Code. The accused was arrested by Gochhapada’s Inspector-in-Charge, Chiranjibi Nayak, from Kotagarh and produced in court. His bail plea was rejected, and he has been sent to judicial custody.
The incident has sparked outrage in the local community, raising serious questions about the misuse of power by law enforcement officials. Authorities are continuing their investigation to ensure justice is served.
