Judicial Inquiry Launched into Allegations of Police Torture and Assault

A judicial commission led by retired judge Chittaranjan Das has initiated an investigation into allegations of the torture of an Army officer and the sexual assault of his fiancée by the police in Bhubaneswar. The commission aims to collect statements from stakeholders through affidavits and will continue its inquiry based on the submitted documents.

A judicial commission, spearheaded by retired High Court Judge Chittaranjan Das, commenced its inquiry into the alleged torture of an Army officer and the sexual assault of his fiancée by police in Bhubaneswar on Monday.

The commission's inaugural meeting was attended by DGP YB Khurania, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Satyabrata Sahu, and Information & Public Relations Secretary Sanjay Singh at the special circuit house. Following the meeting, Subhendu Mohanty, secretary of the commission, announced plans to gather statements from all stakeholders in the form of affidavits, with a 21-day submission deadline.

The commission reviewed the crime branch's investigation into the September 15 incident at Bharatpur police station, which has resulted in the suspension of five police officers who are currently seeking anticipatory bail. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, responding to national outrage, had mandated the commission to submit its findings within 60 days.

(With inputs from agencies.)