The Odisha government has initiated a judicial investigation into the alleged sexual assault of a 32-year-old woman, the fiancée of an army captain, at a Bhubaneswar police station, following widespread public outrage.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced that retired High Court Judge Chittaranjan Dash would lead the inquiry and is expected to submit a report within 60 days. Additionally, a High Court judge will oversee the ongoing Criminal Investigation Department (CID) investigation.
“The police officers involved have been suspended, and criminal cases have been filed against them. Charges have also been pressed against the individuals involved in the earlier altercation,” Majhi stated, assuring that the state would ensure the guilty are held accountable.
Majhi reiterated that there would be no leniency for the perpetrators. “The Odisha government is dedicated to ensuring the safety, security, rights, and dignity of women, and holds deep respect for the army,” he said after a high-level meeting with senior ministers and officials on Sunday evening.
Earlier, Majhi’s deputies, KV Singh Deo and Pravati Parida, along with ministers Suresh Pujari and Prithiviraj Harichandan, met with the captain, his fiancée, her father, and ex-servicemen.
The woman, a lawyer and restaurant owner in Bhubaneswar, claimed that last week she was sexually assaulted, beaten, kicked, and dragged by police personnel at Bharatpur police station. She also accused an inspector of molestation and indecent exposure.
The couple had gone to the police station to file a complaint against a group of individuals involved in a physical altercation with them. In his First Information Report (FIR), the captain alleged he was unlawfully detained while his fiancée was sexually assaulted and then arrested.
On Saturday, seven engineering students were arrested for allegedly attacking the couple but were released on bail within four hours.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with former army chiefs VP Malik and VK Singh among those calling for swift action.
