The Odisha government faces a firestorm following the alleged sexual harassment of an Army officer’s fiancée at Bharatpur Police Station in Bhubaneswar. Five police officers have been suspended in connection with the incident, which has ignited widespread condemnation, including from former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, who demanded a judicial inquiry.
The victim, a restaurant owner and lawyer, detailed her horrifying experience after being discharged from AIIMS Bhubaneswar, where she was treated for severe injuries, including a dislocated jaw. She recounted how she and her fiancé were assaulted after visiting the police station to report a scuffle with local youths. Instead of registering their complaint, officers allegedly abused them, with two female officers dragging her by the hair and a male officer molesting her.
Patnaik expressed shock, demanding swift action and accusing the BJP government of incompetence. He criticized the discontinuation of the “Mo Sarkar” initiative, which ensured citizens were treated with dignity at police stations and government offices.
The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo motu cognizance of the incident, calling for an immediate investigation. The victim has filed a formal complaint, while her fiancé seeks justice for both. As Odisha reels from the incident, calls for accountability and reform within the state’s police force grow louder.
