An army officer and his partner have alleged custodial assault and harassment by the Odisha Police.
An Army officer and his partner have alleged that the Odisha Police subjected them to custodial assault and mistreatment when they approached them with a complaint about an attack on them by miscreants in Bhubaneswar.
Arpit Pattnaik
An Army officer and his partner have accused the Odisha Police of custodial abuse. They claimed they were mistreated while reporting an attack on them by a group of miscreants. According to Army sources, the couple approached a police station in Bhubaneswar on the night of September 14, alleging that they were subjected to physical assault, molestation, and unlawful detention by police personnel.
The officer and his partner alleged they were attacked by a group of miscreants while driving home from her workplace in Bhubaneswar. The couple claimed that the attackers, traveling in three cars, used abusive language and engaged in physical violence before fleeing the scene. After noting down the registration number of one of the vehicles, the couple sought help at the police station and expected swift action.
Contrary to their expectations, the couple alleged that police officers on duty not only refused to act immediately but also insisted they first file a written complaint before any action could be taken. Tensions escalated when the couple asked to speak with senior officers, leading to a heated exchange.
The situation worsened when the Army officer's partner was taken into a separate room by a female police officer and alleged that she was stripped, molested, and physically assaulted. A male officer reportedly entered the room, used derogatory language, and threatened her.
Meanwhile, the Army officer was allegedly detained, physically manhandled, and held in custody for over ten hours before being released after senior Army officials intervened. Following this, the couple requested a medical examination at SUM Hospital, where the Army officer's partner was found to have visible bruises and injuries. They also claimed that their medical report was not provided to them.
Upon their return to the police station, the couple alleged that they were pressured to issue an apology, which they refused.
