Odisha Viral Video: A shocking incident that has sent shock waves in the whole country has just brought to light an alleged assault by police officers on an Army officer and his fiancée at the Bharatpur police station in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The shocking incident occurred on September 15 and threw into serious question the general treatment accorded to citizens at large, and to women in specific.
Meeting with Odisha CM
Odisha Chief Minister, Mohan Charan Majhi, and Law Minister, Prithviraj Harichandan, met the girl and her father at Lok Seva Bhavan in Bhubaneswar. On this visit, the woman complained, “Today, after meeting the CM where he gave me a patient audience and hearing, he has heard all my grievances and till date my complaint remains those 7 Bhatapur Police officials who wronged me & molested me. He has assured me with a judicial inquiry that I will be given justice.”
She added, “I told him that I could face possible threats because already the Police officials have come there twice and intimidated my staff. So, I also told him about the same episode. He assured me that if the need be, in future protection would be provided to run a simple way of restaurant. He has assured and ensured that in the future, women are going to be absolutely safe in this state and zero tolerance towards any wrongdoings towards women will be taken.”
She further said, “With all these words that he had promised me, I do feel relaxed. I will be happy when the justice will be provided to me through this judicial inquiry. I am happy that he gave me a patient hearing.”
CM’s Rebuttal and Inquiry Initiation
CM Majhi rebuffed the charges by directing a judicial inquiry into the incident, conducted by a commission headed by Justice Chittaranjan Dash, a retired high court judge. It is tasked to look into the series of incidents and the roles of the officials concerned. The Odisha government has also sought a supervisory role in the inquiry being presently done by the Crime Branch of the Odisha Police in the Orissa High Court.
Five police officers from Bharatpur police station have been suspended pending enquiry into the allegations. The seriousness of the allegations demand this decisive response where the state government is committed toward redeeming restoration of people’s trust in law enforcement machinery.
Opposition Criticism and Call for Accountability
It has also earned sharp words of criticism from opposition parties in the state which have lambasted the conduct of the police and called for accountability for such acts. In fact, the whole case is one that highlights a certain class of issues regarding the plight of women in society and the need for reforms within the ranks of the police force to prevent such incidents in the future.
With all these words he had promised me, I do feel relaxed. I will be happy when justice is provided to me through this judicial inquiry. Happy that he gave me a patient hearing, adds the lady. Her sentiments reflect hope and a desire for moving towards more concrete government actions to ensure safety and justice in respect of women all over the state.
Nationwide Attention on the Inquiry
As the probe in this matter goes on, it would also be important that the authorities are transparent and accountable. This case would put to test the zero-tolerance policy of the Odisha government on crimes against women because there is going to be a long process of interrogation that would require more explanations than assertions.
This incident, therefore, needs a reminder of continued dialogue between the community and law enforcement to create an environment within which every citizen feels safe and respected, particularly women. The outcome of this inquiry and all subsequent actions will not only be observed closely in Odisha but also all over the country as citizens demand justice and reform within the police system.
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