How the Indian Army’s 1959 Honour Code Shames Odisha Police’s 2024 Failure in Defending Women

Odisha , India — In a harrowing ordeal that has sparked nationwide outrage, chilling details have emerged regarding the alleged sexual assault and torture of an Army officer’s fiancée at the Bharatpur Police Station in Bhubaneswar. The incident, which unfolded in the early hours of September 15, occurred when the couple had sought refuge at the police station after being chased by unidentified miscreants. Instead of receiving protection, they were allegedly brutalized by police officers.  

The night began innocuously as the Army officer and his fiancée were returning home in Bhubaneswar on September 14. Their peaceful evening was interrupted when they were pursued by a group of unidentified goons, forcing them to seek help at the nearest police station.  

What followed in the early hours of September 15 was a horrific turn of events. The couple, having arrived at the Bharatpur Police Station, was allegedly subjected to brutality. According to the woman’s account, she was stripped, assaulted, and physically tortured by the police. In her harrowing testimony, she recounted being tied with her own scarf and jacket, dragged through the police station’s corridors by her hair, and molested by a police inspector who allegedly flashed her. When she attempted to defend herself by biting one of the officers, she was arrested on trumped-up charges.  

Meanwhile, the Army officer was thrown into a lockup, helpless as his fiancée endured the horrifying ordeal. The woman suffered multiple injuries, including a dislocated jaw, and was left traumatized.  

Odisha Police Personnel’s Suspension Not Enough  

The brutality came to light on September 16 when the Indian Army was informed of the incident. Immediately, the Army raised an alarm with the Odisha government, prompting action. In response to mounting outrage, the Odisha government transferred the case to the Crime Investigation Department (CID) and ordered a high-level investigation. By September 18, five police officers, including the Inspector-in-Charge of the Bharatpur Police Station, were suspended.

The Odisha High Court also granted bail to the woman, recognizing the gravity of the situation. Upon her release on September 19, the woman spoke to the media, describing her horrifying experience. The case has since sparked a public outcry, with demands for justice and accountability.  

Odisha Police’s immediate suspension of the five officers reflects an acknowledgement of the severity of the case. While the police department has promised a thorough investigation, the public's trust in law enforcement has been deeply shaken by this incident.  

The 1959 Amritsar Incident: Army’s Bold Stand to Defend the Honour of Women  

The Indian Army is known for its strict code of conduct and unwavering respect for women’s safety, a principle reinforced by historical precedents. A famous incident from 1959, involving Army officers stationed in Amritsar, serves as a reminder of the Army’s stance on defending the honour of women.  

It was a routine evening in Amritsar when several Indian Army officers and their wives went to the local railway station to bid farewell to a fellow officer. The camaraderie was interrupted by a group of local goons who were loitering in the station area. Emboldened by alcohol and a sense of impunity, the group of miscreants began to make vulgar remarks and lewd gestures towards the wives of the Army officers.  

Initially, the Army officers attempted to ignore the provocations, not wanting to escalate the situation. However, when the goons began to approach the women with the intent to molest them physically, the officers decided to take action.  

Army Troops Mobilized, Cinema Hall Surrounded  

As the Army officers confronted the hooligans, the goons, realizing they had angered trained soldiers, fled the scene. They sought refuge inside a nearby cinema hall, thinking that the public venue would deter the Army from following through on the confrontation. The cinema hall was bustling with civilians, and the miscreants believed they were safe from retribution.

The matter was swiftly reported to the Commanding Officer of the local unit, Colonel Jyoti Mohan Sen. Upon hearing how the Army wives had been harassed and insulted, Col. Sen was determined to take immediate and firm action. He was well aware of the political risks involved, as the local goons included the son of Pratap Singh Kairon, the then Chief Minister of Punjab and a close associate of the Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru.  

Undeterred by the potential political ramifications, Col. Sen gave a firm order: the cinema hall where the goons had sought refuge was to be surrounded by troops from his unit.  

In an unprecedented move, soldiers of the Indian Army were deployed to the cinema hall. The entire area was cordoned off, and a contingent of soldiers entered the premises to flush out the goons. The goons were swiftly identified, rounded up, and dragged out of the cinema hall, their perceived safe haven now surrounded by disciplined military personnel.  

How the Indian Army Humiliated Goon Publicly 

What followed was a bold act of defiance. The goons, including the Chief Minister’s son, were stripped down to their underwear and paraded in the streets of Amritsar. This act was symbolic—stripping them of the power and arrogance they wielded through political connections. The soldiers paraded them through the streets not only to shame them but also to send a clear message that the Indian Army would not tolerate any dishonour towards women, especially the wives of its officers.  

The goons were then taken into custody and interned in the Army cantonment, where they were held overnight. Their arrogance and connections proved futile against the steely resolve of the Army to ensure that justice was served.  

The Fallout: Chief Minister Kairon’s Fury  

The next morning, Chief Minister Pratap Singh Kairon learned about the humiliation his son had suffered at the hands of the Army. Enraged, Kairon attempted to use his political power to intervene. He demanded the immediate release of his son and the other goons, hoping to leverage his position to override the military’s actions.  

However, when the Chief Minister’s official vehicle attempted to enter the Army cantonment, it was stopped at the gates. As per military protocol, no vehicle, not even one belonging to the Chief Minister, was allowed to enter the cantonment without permission. Kairon was forced to walk inside the cantonment, further adding to the indignity he felt.  

When Kairon finally met Col. Jyoti Mohan Sen, he demanded the release of his son. Col. Sen, however, was resolute. He released the goons only after giving them a stern warning, making it clear that no amount of political power would protect those who disrespect women. The Chief Minister’s son and his companions left the cantonment, their pride shattered by the unwavering discipline and moral authority of the Indian Army.  

Nehru's Reaction: A National Controversy  

Chief Minister Kairon, still furious over the treatment of his son, escalated the matter to his close ally, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Kairon expected Nehru to reprimand the Army and take action against Col. Sen and his unit. Prime Minister Nehru, perplexed by the situation, turned to the Army Chief, General Kodandera Subayya Thimmayya, for an explanation.

What followed was an iconic moment in Indian military history. General Thimmayya, known for his uncompromising principles, gave Nehru a straightforward response:  

"If we cannot defend the honour of our women, how can you expect us to defend the honour of our country?"  

This single statement silenced the Prime Minister. Nehru, recognizing the gravity of the situation and the moral stance taken by the Army, chose not to take any further action. The matter was effectively dropped, and no punitive measures were taken against Col. Sen or his men. General Thimmayya’s words became legendary within the Indian Army, embodying the ethos of defending the dignity of women at all costs.