Bhubaneswar: In a powerful response to the shocking incident involving the alleged custodial assault of an Army officer and his fiancée, the opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has called for a complete shutdown in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday. The six-hour hartal, scheduled from 6 am to 12 noon, aims to protest police brutality and demand justice for the victims.
The call for shutdown follows the disturbing claims made by the couple regarding their treatment by the police at Bharatpur Police Station. The Army officer and his fiancée were allegedly subjected to physical and sexual abuse while in police custody after attempting to lodge a complaint related to a road rage incident.
BJD Intensifies Protests Against Custodial Brutality
BJD leaders are leaving no stone unturned in their efforts to hold the Odisha police accountable for the alleged custodial assault. At a press conference on Sunday, BJD MLA Arun Kumar Sahoo announced the party's decision to intensify its protest by organizing the shutdown.
Speaking passionately about the issue, BJD vice-president Debi Prasad Mishra condemned the incident, calling it "a dark day for Odisha" and an "embarrassment to the state." He stated that party chief and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is deeply pained by the alleged brutality, and the party is fully committed to ensuring that the truth comes out. "We will continue to protest until justice is served," Mishra declared.
Judicial Inquiry and SIT Probe Demanded
In a significant development, Naveen Patnaik has called for a judicial inquiry into the custodial assault. Patnaik has also demanded that a Special Investigation Team (SIT), monitored by the court, be constituted to thoroughly investigate the matter. The BJD has submitted a memorandum to President Droupadi Murmu, seeking her direct intervention in ensuring an unbiased and transparent investigation.
The memorandum highlights the alleged misuse of power by the police and stresses the need for accountability. The party expressed concerns that without a judicial inquiry, the truth may be buried and the victims denied justice.
Allegations of Police Misconduct: What Happened?
The controversy began when an Army officer and his fiancée were allegedly assaulted at the Bharatpur police station in Bhubaneswar. The couple had approached the police to file a complaint after a road rage incident, but what followed was a nightmare. According to the fiancée, she was sexually assaulted while in custody, while the Army officer was illegally detained, tortured, and humiliated.
The woman’s allegations have sparked widespread outrage across Odisha, with people demanding swift action against those responsible for the heinous crime. The case has drawn attention to the larger issue of custodial violence in the state, and citizens are now questioning the very institutions meant to protect them.
Bhubaneswar Braces for Shutdown
As Bhubaneswar prepares for the six-hour shutdown, authorities are gearing up for what is expected to be a tense day. The hartal is likely to disrupt normal life in the city, with schools, colleges, businesses, and public transport expected to remain shut. Local residents have been advised to stay indoors, as the protest could lead to widespread roadblocks and demonstrations across major city intersections.
BJD leaders have called for a peaceful hartal and urged party workers to ensure that the protest remains non-violent. However, there are concerns that the shutdown could escalate into clashes between the police and protestors, given the charged atmosphere surrounding the incident.
Rising Public Anger Over Police Brutality
The alleged custodial assault has ignited a wave of anger and resentment across Odisha, with civil society groups, human rights organizations, and political parties uniting to demand accountability. Protests against police misconduct have erupted in several districts, as citizens express outrage over the treatment meted out to the Army officer and his fiancée.
Several opposition leaders have condemned the Odisha police's handling of the case and called for immediate suspension of the officers involved. Some have even demanded that the state government take responsibility for the actions of its police force.
Looking Forward: The Fight for Justice
The upcoming shutdown in Bhubaneswar is a critical moment in the growing movement against custodial violence in Odisha. The BJD’s protest marks a turning point in the demand for justice for the victims, and the outcome of the investigation will have far-reaching implications for the state’s law enforcement and justice systems.
For the citizens of Odisha, the incident serves as a reminder of the need for greater police accountability and reforms. It remains to be seen how the state government will respond to the mounting pressure and whether the judicial inquiry and SIT probe will lead to meaningful action.
As the protests gain momentum, one thing is clear: the people of Odisha are standing firm in their demand for justice, and they will not rest until those responsible for the alleged custodial assault are brought to book.
Conclusion:
The alleged assault on the Army officer and his fiancée has ignited widespread protests in Odisha, with the BJD spearheading the fight for justice. The upcoming shutdown in Bhubaneswar will be a significant show of strength, as citizens rally against custodial violence and police misconduct. With a judicial inquiry and SIT probe on the horizon, the people of Odisha are watching closely, determined to ensure that justice is served.