A retired Indian High Court judge, Chitta Ranjan Dash has been named to investigate serious allegations of a 32-year-old woman claiming to have been physically and sexually harassed by police personnel at Bharatpur police station, Odisha. The woman, an alumnus of law college, as well as running her own restaurant, along with her fiancé, an army officer, had filed complaints that drew public ire, prompting the government to act.
Four Police Officers Suspended, Crime Branch Initiates Inquiry
Four police officers, three of whom were female, were suspended and another transferred. The state crime branch launched a formal inquiry into the case. The incident has received wide publicity, military circles being particularly worked up at the fact that the woman’s father is a retired army brigadier.
The Crime Gazette: Graphic Video Account of Techie’s Demise
In a video that quickly spread on social media, the injured woman described the brutality meted out to her during the morning of September 15. According to her narration, she was dragged, brutally kicked and raped by male and female police officers after visiting the police station with her fiancé over harassment meted out by some men in the locality. The distressing content of the video has given national momentum for conversation on police brutality and women’s safety.Odisha’s High Court granted bail to the woman three days after her arrest, criticizing the police for mishandling the situation. Justice Aditya Kumar Mohapatra, in his order, condemned the police for not following the proper legal process in arresting her, while also rebuking the magistrate for denying her bail initially. He described the allegations as being against the principles of democracy and law.
Support rally from army officers behind victim, call for justice
The case has gathered support from a number of serving and retired army personnel, who have themselves been vocal on the social media platforms. The Indian Army has taken to writing a letter to Odisha’s High Court and presented before that court, stating that the treatment meted out to the officer and his girlfriend was distressing; hence they demand fast and fair action to be taken against those responsible. Many Army officials are promising their whole-hearted support in pursuing justice.Victim Faces Victim-Blaming, Raises Concerns About Police Procedures
Meanwhile, on social media, victim-blaming narratives based on overwhelming evidence began questioning the character of the woman. Women’s rights activist Namrata Chadha, who met the woman in the hospital, condemned these issues, claiming that the case brings the question of how police treat victims into focus. Chadha questioned why CCTV footage and other such mandatory recordings were not available when the assault was supposed to have taken place.State Government’s Response
The Odisha government expressed women’s security concerns today, even as it assured the public that an inquiry will be conducted with urgency as it responds to the mounting pressure. Justice Dash has been given the task of submitting a full report within 60 days.
The crime branch continues to investigate the woman’s charges. Earlier, seven men were charged with harassing the couple and were arrested and granted bail. The case remains under keen observation as India continues to debate safety for women within police custody and police accountability.
