A horrific incident in Odishas Bhubaneswar has drawn widespread outrage, with Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and retired Army chief VK Singh among those condemning the alleged torture of an Indian Army officer and the sexual assault of his fiancée inside a police station.The Odisha government and police have come under severe criticism following allegations that police personnel at Bharatpur police station assaulted an army officer and his fiancée, who had visited the station seeking help. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in the state is facing calls for immediate action against the perpetrators.Rahul Gandhi, in a strongly worded statement, described the incident as a heinous act and a shame on humanity. His sister, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, expressed the collective shock of the nation, stating, The entire country is appalled by what took place inside a police station in Odisha.ओडिशा में घटित भयंकर घटना ने देश की कानून व्यवस्था पर गंभीर सवाल खड़े कर दिए हैं।पुलिस से मदद मांगने गए एक सेना अधिकारी को बेरहमी से पीटा गया और उनकी मंगेतर को कस्टडी में उत्पीड़ित किया गया। यह घृणित घटना पूरी मानवता को शर्मसार करने वाली है।भाजपा सरकार में महिलाओं के विरुद्ध…— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) September 20, 2024Former Army chief General (retired) VK Singh called the incident “shameful and horrendous,” demanding swift and severe action against the responsible officers.Everyone Must listen to Ankita Pradhan, Fiancée of Army officer, Daughter of Rtd Army Officer- What happened to her in PS Bharatpur in #Odisha is shameful and horrendous. @CMO_Odisha should take immediate action against the police personnel and all who are trying to shield the…— Gen VK Singh (@Gen_VKSingh) September 20, 2024Police action and repercussionsFollowing public outcry, the Odisha Police Crime Branch has registered a case against five police personnel, including the inspector in charge of Bharatpur police station. All the accused officers have been suspended pending further investigation.The victim, the fiancée of an army officer and the daughter of a retired brigadier, recounted a harrowing experience. She alleged that after the officer was unlawfully detained, two female police officers physically assaulted her when she objected. Matters escalated when a male officer allegedly sexually harassed her, lowering his pants and asking inappropriate questions.This is Modi regime, no woman is safe. BJP Govt in Odisha. #ShameOnBJP pic.twitter.com/dQJe7OQryI— Priyamwada (@PriaINC) September 20, 2024Priyanka Gandhi Vadra criticized the BJP governments across the country, accusing them of turning the police from protectors to predators. She also highlighted another recent case of police brutality in BJP-ruled Uttar Pradesh, pointing to a pattern of misconduct under the partys leadership.VK Singh, despite being a member of the BJP, took a firm stand, urging Odishas chief minister to take immediate action against those responsible. He also called for attention to the victims testimony and urged an unbiased investigation.Response from Odisha governmentOdisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, while on a tour of his home district, condemned the incident and assured the public that his government would take stringent action against the culprits. Majhi promised that no one responsible would be spared and that the state would deliver justice swiftly.Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, who oversees the Women and Child Development Department, visited the victim at AIIMS Bhubaneswar, where she is currently receiving treatment. Meanwhile, BJD President and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik called the incident shocking and pushed for a judicial probe into the matter.Army Veterans and womens commission reactSeveral retired army officers also expressed their outrage on social media, condemning the police brutality. The victims father, a retired brigadier, demanded the arrest and dismissal of the police officers involved. The National Commission for Women (NCW) took suo motu cognizance of the case and requested a detailed report from the states Director General of Police (DGP).Odisha Congress MLA Sofia Firdous, who met the victim at AIIMS Bhubaneswar, condemned the incident in strong terms. “As a woman, I deeply understand the trauma shes going through. The culprits must face the most severe punishment,” she stated.The assault on the army officers fiancée has sparked widespread condemnation from political leaders, army veterans, and public figures alike. With the Odisha government assuring swift action and a judicial probe on the horizon, the focus remains on delivering justice to the victims and preventing further instances of police brutality.
