Political figures, including Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, along with former Army chief General (Retired) VK Singh, voiced against the alleged torture of an Indian Army officer and the sexual assault of his fiancée at a police station in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The incident has drawn widespread condemnation and criticism, especially targeting the state government and police.
The Odisha government and police are facing severe backlash over the alleged misconduct by the officers involved. Opposition leaders and army veterans are demanding swift action against the accused, putting the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led state government under intense scrutiny. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has assured that the culprits will face severe punishment.
Rahul Gandhi described the incident as a “heinous act” and a “shame on humanity,” while Priyanka Gandhi Vadra expressed that the entire country is “shocked” by what happened at the Bharatpur police station. Former Army chief VK Singh also labeled the incident “shameful and horrendous.”
ओडिशा में घटित भयंकर घटना ने देश की कानून व्यवस्था पर गंभीर सवाल खड़े कर दिए हैं।
पुलिस से मदद मांगने गए एक सेना अधिकारी को बेरहमी से पीटा गया और उनकी मंगेतर को कस्टडी में उत्पीड़ित किया गया। यह घृणित घटना पूरी मानवता को शर्मसार करने वाली है।
भाजपा सरकार में महिलाओं के विरुद्ध…
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) September 20, 2024
Case Filed Against Police Officers
The Odisha Police Crime Branch registered a case against five police officers, including the inspector in charge of the Bharatpur police station. The officers have been suspended following the public outrage over the incident. Rahul Gandhi emphasized the need for the strictest punishment, calling attention to the larger issue of crimes against women under the BJP government. He noted that the situation reflects poorly on the law and order system in the country.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, reacting to the brutality, accused BJP-led governments of enabling the police to act more like “predators than protectors.” She alleged that police misconduct flourishes due to protection from those in power.
Demands for Immediate Action
Former Union Minister VK Singh, a BJP MP, urged Odisha’s Chief Minister to act swiftly against the police officers involved and those trying to shield the perpetrators. Singh called for attention to the statements made by the victim, emphasizing the severity of the situation.
Victim’s Harrowing Allegations
The woman, who was later arrested and released on bail, alleged that she was sexually assaulted after being taken into custody. She recounted how the police placed her fiancé, an Army officer, in lock-up, and when she protested, she was physically assaulted by two female officers. The situation escalated, with a male officer allegedly kicking her and lowering his pants, subjecting her to further abuse.
Army Veterans and NCW Condemn the Incident
The father of the victim, a retired Brigadier, has demanded that the police officers responsible be arrested and dismissed. Several retired Army officers expressed their anger on social media. The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken notice of the incident, requesting a detailed report from the state police.
Government Assurances and Reactions
Chief Minister Mohan Majhi, currently on a tour of his home district, assured the public that his government would not hesitate to take strong action against the accused. Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, who oversees the women and child development department, met the victim at AIIMS Bhubaneswar, where she is receiving treatment.
The president of the BJD and former Odisha chief minister, Naveen Patnaik, called the incident “shocking” and has requested a judicial probe into the matter. Congress MLA Sofia Firdous, who met the victim, condemned the treatment of the Army officer and his fiancée, demanding severe punishment for the guilty.
The allegations of police brutality and sexual assault have sparked national outrage, with demands for accountability and justice growing louder. The case has placed Odisha’s law enforcement under a microscope, and both political leaders and the general public are eagerly awaiting further action from the state government.