BJD Stages Protest Over Alleged Custodial Assault of Army Officer's Fiancee

Biju Janata Dal leaders protested at Raj Bhawan, decrying the alleged custodial assault of an Army officer's fiancee in Odisha. Accusations of police misconduct led to the suspension of five officers. Political leaders demand justice and action from the state's Chief Minister amidst growing unrest.

Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leaders and workers demonstrated in front of Raj Bhawan on Saturday, urging action over the alleged custodial assault of an Army officer's fiancee.

Addressing the media, BJD Leader Lekhasri Samantsinghar stated, "Odisha is in the news for all the wrong reasons. BJP's double-engine government is making Odisha famous for all the wrong reasons. An army major and his fiancee were assaulted at a police station, where they had gone to file a complaint."

Samantsinghar questioned Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi's silence on the matter, while reports indicated the assault occurred on September 15 at Bharatpur police station. The major and his fiancee were allegedly harassed and jailed without justification after lodging a harassment complaint. Former Chief Minister and opposition leader Naveen Patnaik has called for a judicial probe into the incident. In response, the Chief Minister's Office announced the suspension of five Bharatpur police officers and assured that legal and departmental actions are underway.

(With inputs from agencies.)