Bulletin India.
Odisha: A shocking case has emerged from Bharatpur, Odisha, where an army officer’s fiancée has accused local police of sexual assault and brutality. The woman, who is engaged to a Major in the Indian Army’s Sikh Regiment and is also a lawyer, made the allegations after undergoing a medical examination, creating a wave of outrage.
The incident allegedly took place on the night of September 14. According to the victim, she was driving when a group of local miscreants blocked her car and tried to molest her. She managed to escape and sought help at the nearby Bharatpur Police Station. However, instead of helping her, the police officers present allegedly subjected her to horrific abuse.
The woman claims that inside the station, one of the officers forcibly stripped her and physically assaulted her, while others stood by, including the Station Head Officer. She further alleges that the officers threatened her with rape, and one of them even exposed himself in front of her.
The victim’s father, a retired Brigadier, has demanded the immediate arrest of the accused officers, calling the incident a gross violation of the law. He stated, “The police not only detained a military officer unlawfully but also subjected my daughter to sexual harassment in custody. She has sustained injuries on her face and body.”
Meanwhile, the Odisha Police have denied all allegations, claiming that the woman and her fiancé were intoxicated at the time and had misbehaved with the police. They also mentioned the presence of female officers during the incident, refuting the charges of sexual assault.
The army officer and his fiancée, who are both stationed in West Bengal, had initially gone to Bharatpur Police Station on Sunday to lodge a complaint of road rage after local youths allegedly harassed them. This escalated into a confrontation with the police. The woman was later arrested on charges of misconduct but has since been granted bail by the High Court. She is currently receiving medical treatment at AIIMS.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with many calling for a thorough investigation and strict action against the accused police officers.
