NEW DELHI: A retired high court judge will investigate allegations that a woman was physically and sexually assaulted by police officers at a station in Odisha. The allegations, made by a 32-year-old woman and her fiancé—an army officer—led to public outrage and the suspension of four police officials, including three women. A fifth officer was transferred as the state’s crime branch opened an inquiry.
In a distressing video, the woman, a law graduate and restaurant owner in Bhubaneswar, described her ordeal in a wheelchair, with visible injuries. She claimed she and her fiancé sought police help after being harassed on the street but were met with abuse instead. When she protested her fiancé’s detention, she alleged that female officers assaulted her, leading to her being restrained and threatened by a male officer.
Police initially claimed the couple was intoxicated and that the woman had been aggressive. However, after her release on bail, a high court judge criticized the police’s actions and noted serious procedural failures.
The Indian army expressed concern over the treatment of its officer and emphasized the dignity of the woman, who is the daughter of a retired brigadier. Her father described the distress of not being informed about her arrest.
The state government has appointed retired Justice Chitta Ranjan Dash to conduct the inquiry, which is expected to conclude within 60 days. Meanwhile, the men accused of harassing the couple have been arrested and released on bail.
The case has sparked discussions on social media, with some engaging in victim-blaming. Women’s rights activists criticized these reactions, highlighting the need for police to follow established protocols when handling complaints.
