Odisha Orders Judicial Inquiry Into Police Assault

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has ordered a judicial inquiry into the alleged torture of an Army officer and the sexual assault of his fiancée at a Bharatpur police station on September 15. The inquiry, led by Justice Chittaranjan Das, is expected to report its findings within 60 days, while the Orissa High Court will oversee the Crime Branch investigation. The state government has suspended five police personnel involved and filed criminal charges against them, as well as against local youths accused of harassing the couple. Majhi emphasized the government's commitment to the rule of law and the dignity of women, reinforcing respect for the Indian Army. Additionally, opposition leader Naveen Patnaik has called for a court-monitored Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe and announced a bandh in Bhubaneswar in response to the incident. The situation has prompted high-level discussions between the Chief Minister, his ministers, and senior Army officials regarding the incident.