Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Sunday removed Niranjan Behera from the post of inspector-in-charge (IIC) of Baranga police station in Cuttack following allegations of custodial torture of a suspect who is reportedly battling for life at SCB Medical College and Hospital.
Protests and Allegations
The action came after four days of persistent protests by residents of Chandi Prasad village, who alleged that Rakesh Behera (34) was brutally tortured at Baranga police station after his detention on May 20. While his family claims he was tortured until May 23, police maintain he was released on the same day. It remains unclear when and how he was admitted to the hospital.
Villagers began protesting on Tuesday, which continued until Friday, when they also attempted to storm the Baranga police station. Taking serious note of the public and political outrage, Director General of Police Y B Khurania ordered an inquiry on Friday, seeking a report from Police Commissioner S Dev Datta Singh.
Transfer and Investigation
A senior police officer stated that the Baranga IIC has been transferred to the Cuttack DCP headquarters to ensure an impartial investigation into the allegations. Purighat police station IIC Biswaranjan Nayak has been given additional charge to head Baranga, the officer added.
However, Rakesh's family expressed dissatisfaction with the action. "A transfer is not punishment. It is an eyewash, an attempt to shield an IPS officer who also beat my son mercilessly. All those responsible should be suspended," said Kartik Behera, the victim's father.
Background of the Case
Rakesh was picked up by Baranga police on May 20 in connection with the recovery of a decomposed body of an unidentified woman on the Kathajodi riverbed. He had earlier filed a complaint about his wife's disappearance on May 15.
"Suspecting the body to be hers, police tortured him, assuming he had killed her. We informed the police that his wife was alive, but police did not pay heed," his father claimed.
Second Custodial Torture Case in Odisha
This is the second case of alleged custodial torture in Odisha within a week. On May 27, Sandhyarani Jena, IIC of Talchua Marine police station in Kendrapada district, was suspended for allegedly torturing a mother-son duo in custody.
DGP Khurania warned that "third-degree" torture in custody will not be tolerated. "Such conduct towards the general public is never acceptable. Whenever such incidents come to light, we take tough action," Khurania said, adding that Odisha police remain committed to transparency, accountability, and justice for the common people.
