Kicked, Abused in Odisha Police Custody: Army Officer's Fiancee Shares Terrifying Ordeal

Bhubaneswar: There have been allegations by the fiancee of an army officer that she has been sexually assaulted by Odisha cops. The woman, who was arrested on account of misbehaviour with the police officers in Bhubaneswar, alleged that she was kicked in the breasts and the cop also flashed in front of her.

Army Officer's Fiancee Alleges Sexual Assault from Odisha Cops

The fiancee of an Army officer, who was arrested in Bhubaneswar for allegedly misbehaving with the police, claimed that she was sexually harassed after being taken into custody. The woman, arrested by personnel of the Bharatpur Police Station on September 15, was on Thursday released on bail granted by the high court.

Speaking to reporters, the woman said she was returning home with her friend, the Army officer, after closing her restaurant late at night when some men allegedly misbehaved with them. Following that, they went to the Bharatpur Police Station to seek help, she said.

"When we reached the police station to lodge a complaint, a woman constable was there in civil dress. We approached her to lodge our complaint and send a patrol vehicle to arrest the miscreants. Instead of helping us, she abused me," the woman alleged. The woman, who is at present undergoing treatment at AIIMS-Bhubaneswar, said some more personnel arrived at the police station and asked her friend to write a complaint.

‘Kicked On My Breasts, Lowered Down My Pants and His…’

"I don't know what happened, they put him in the lockup. When I raised the voice that they cannot put an Army officer in custody as it is unlawful, two female officers started physically assaulting me," she alleged. The woman said she tried to fight back and bit on the hand of female police personnel when she tried to get hold of her neck.

The police personnel then put her in a room after tying her hands and legs, she alleged. "After some time, a male officer opened the doors and kicked on my breasts several times. He lowered down my pants and his as well. Showing his private part, he asked me how much time you want to remain silent," she alleged.

Crime Branch Files Criminal Case, 5 Police Officers Suspended

The crime branch has filed a criminal case 11/2024 and directed the five suspended police officers to appear before the CB for interrogation. The case was filed after the Indian Army officer of Sikh Regiment Major Gurvansh Singh lodged an official complaint with the crime branch.

National Commission of Women Seeks Report

Taking suo motu cognisance of the incident, the National Commission for Women sought an action taken report from the DGP. "A formal letter has been sent to the DGP, requesting an action taken report within 3 days. Urgent disciplinary action is expected," the NCW posted on X. Meanwhile, a case was registered at the Chandaka Police Station against unidentified persons who allegedly misbehaved with the Army officer and the woman. 

(Inputs from PTI)