Stripped, Kicked & Assaulted: Army Officer's Fiancée On Odisha Police Station Ordeal

Former Odisha Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) President Naveen Patnaik has demanded a court-monitored Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe and a judicial inquiry into the alleged sexual harassment of an Indian Army officer's fiancée while in police custody. 

Indian Army Officer's Fiancée Alleges Sexual Harassment By Odisha Police

Patnaik expressed his shock and condemned the incident, calling for swift action against the police personnel involved. "All have heard of what recently happened to an Army Major and his fiancée at a police station in Bhubaneswar. This is very very shocking news of violence that was meted out to both of them and the alleged sexual assault on the Major's fiancée. We demand a full judicial inquiry into this matter and action must be taken very quickly," Patnaik stated.

Patnaik also criticised the ruling BJP government in Odisha, accusing them of failing to uphold law and order. He recalled that during his government, initiatives like 'Mo Sarkar' ensured that citizens were treated with respect when visiting government offices, including police stations. He alleged that the discontinuation of such programs had led to incidents like this.

The way an Army Major and a lady were treated in Bharatpur Police Station is shocking and beyond comprehension. The manner in which police have allegedly treated them has shaken the conscience of the country. This has happened to a serving Army Officer and a lady within #Odisha.…

— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) September 20, 2024

The Odisha Police had suspended five officers on charges of misconduct following the allegations. However, women's rights activists staged protests, demanding arrests of those involved.

The Incident

An Army captain from the Sikh Regiment and his fiancée faced a harrowing ordeal after they visited Bharatpur police station in Bhubaneswar to file a complaint. The couple had been attacked by a group of 10 to 12 miscreants who blocked their car and physically assaulted them near the Pathargadia area without any provocation. However, their attempt to seek police assistance took a disturbing turn.

According to the captain’s complaint, when they reached the station, only one constable and a woman assistant sub-inspector were present, and they refused to register their complaint or offer protection. The couple later approached a sub-inspector when a police patrol returned, but things quickly escalated. 

As the officer was writing his complaint, four policemen allegedly dragged him to a cell, removed his pants, and confiscated his belongings, including his wallet, mobile phone, Army ID, and car keys. He claimed he was illegally detained in the cell from 3 a.m. to 6:30 a.m., while his fiancée was allegedly assaulted by two female police officers in the lobby.

The officer reportedly tried to explain to the constable the protocols for arresting an Army officer, which require either a magistrate’s warrant or an FIR for serious crimes like murder or rape. However, he was told the in-charge inspector (IIC) would clarify his detention.

The situation worsened when, around 6 a.m., his fiancée, a lawyer by profession, demanded to see the arrest warrant. According to the complaint, she was dragged into a room, stripped, and brutally assaulted by four male and three female officers, including the sub-inspector. The captain further alleged that upon his arrival, the IIC sexually harassed and molested his fiancée, with her screams audible for over 30 minutes. After this, the fiancée was reportedly arrested and forwarded to court, sparking outrage and calls for justice.

NCW Launches Probe

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo motu cognisance of the matter and requested an action-taken report from the Odisha Director General of Police (DGP). Meanwhile, a case has been registered at the Chandaka Police Station against unidentified individuals allegedly involved in the altercation with the Army officer and his fiancée.

The National Commission for Women takes suo motu cognisance of allegations made by an Army officer and his lady friend regarding their custodial abuse by Odisha Police. A formal letter has been sent to the DGP, requesting an action taken report within 3 days. Urgent disciplinary…

— NCW (@NCWIndia) September 17, 2024

The Odisha High Court is set to hear a plea regarding the cancellation of the FIR against the woman and the Army officer. The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with demands for justice and accountability mounting against the local authorities.