In a rarity, Odisha police personnel, including women, conducted a silent protest on Sunday condemning suspension of five police personnel over alleged sexual assault of an Army officer’s fiancee under custody in police station. The police personnel demanded the withdrawal of their suspension and a proper probe into the alleged incident.
The police personnel said a proper probe should be conducted into the alleged incident of sexual assault at Bharatpur police station. The police personnel said there was no need to suspend the cops before completion of investigation.
The Odisha police association condemned the suspension and said there is no reason to suspend the personnel. “As investigation is ongoing, there is no reason to suspend the five police personnel. They should not be suspended until proven guilty,” said organising secretary Umesh Chandra Sahu, PTI reported.
On Saturday, a group of retired police officers also met Police Commissioner Sanjeeb Panda to voice concerns. Retired officer Suryamani Tripathy said, "There is no point in suspending police personnel before they are found guilty. We will approach the DGP, Home Secretary, and the Chief Minister to demand the withdrawal of the suspensions."
The Odisha police suspended five police personnel, including an inspector-rank officer, after a woman restaurant owner alleged sexual harassment by cops while she and her Army officer fiance were under custody. The National Commission for Women has taken suo motu cognisance of the incident and has sought a report from Odisha police.
The victim woman, talking to presspersons alleged a group of miscreants attacked her and her Army officer friend while returning home after closing the restaurant. The woman said though they approached Bharatpur Police Station to file a complaint, the police were non-cooperative and the woman constable on duty abused her.
The woman alleged she was overpowered when she tried to fight back and police personnel put her in a room after tying her hands and legs. "After some time, a male officer opened the doors and kicked on my breasts several times. He lowered down my pants and his as well. Showing his private part, he asked me how much time you want to remain silent," she alleged.
However, Odisha police said the woman and her Army officer friend were drunk and attacked a police personnel while he was on duty. Police alleged the duo vandalised the police station.