Balasore: Bhadrak Superintendent of Police (SP) Manoj Kumar Rout on Thursday issued a show-cause notice and ordered a probe into the conduct of a Special Police Officer (SPO) attached to the Bhadrak Highway Police. The action follows allegations of misconduct, extortion, and delayed medical assistance to a road accident victim on National Highway-16 near Maitapur in Bhadrak district.
Incident Details
The incident occurred on the night of June 6 and came to light after a video allegedly showing police misbehaviour at the accident site went viral on social media. According to reports, SPO Sanatan Rout, along with two police personnel and a driver, was on NH patrol duty near Maitapur when they allegedly stopped a chicken-laden truck and demanded money from the driver. The truck reportedly sped away, prompting a police chase. During the pursuit, the truck suddenly applied brakes, causing a car behind it to crash into the vehicle.
Victim's Ordeal
In the accident, Santosh Mallick of Patharpentha village under Bahanaga block in Balasore district sustained serious injuries. He was returning home after receiving news of his mother's death. The car owner, Satyaban Rana, also from the same village, who had gone to Bhubaneswar Airport to bring Mallick back, suffered minor injuries. A viral video shows Rana pleading with police for immediate medical assistance for the critically injured Mallick. The footage captures an officer hurling abuses at the victims instead of facilitating medical aid.
Rana alleged that instead of helping, the police refused to cooperate, threatened him, demanded money, and delayed calling an ambulance. He further claimed that the injured man remained on the highway for nearly 40 minutes before being shifted to Bhadrak Medical College and Hospital. Mallick was later transferred to a private hospital in Bhubaneswar, where he continues to undergo treatment.
Family Condemns Police Behaviour
Family members condemned the "inhuman behaviour" of the police personnel. They alleged that the victim was denied timely medical attention due to extortion and intimidation by those present at the scene.
Police Action
SP Rout said a preliminary inquiry was conducted, and Additional SP Arup Abhishek Behera has been entrusted with carrying out a detailed investigation. "The circumstances leading to the accident, the conduct of police personnel at the spot, and the allegations raised in the viral video will be thoroughly examined," the SP said.
He added that the role of all officials present at the scene, including PCR van staff, constables, and home guards, would be scrutinised. Strict action would be taken if any misconduct is established.
