A woman from Odisha's Jagatsinghpur district has approached the state's human rights watchdog, accusing the local police of brutally assaulting her minor son. The police have strongly denied the allegations, calling them motivated, and have presented a counter-narrative involving the discovery of a video showing the child with an illegal firearm.
Complaint Details: Allegations of Harassment and Assault
The complainant, Aklima Bibi, a resident of Khalupada in Jagatsinghpur, filed her petition with the Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) on Thursday, December 21, 2025. In her complaint, she alleged that the police first forcefully entered her home on December 10, demanding to know the whereabouts of her husband, Sk. Nawab, who is an accused in a theft case.
The situation escalated on December 18. Aklima Bibi claims that the police went to her son's school, called out the Class-8 student, and took him to the police station. There, she alleges, officers assaulted the minor with a belt and boots.
Speaking to the media, Aklima questioned the police's methods. She stated that if her husband is involved in any crime, the police should act against him directly. "My husband doesn't stay with us. He comes for one or two days once in a year or every six months. I don't know where he is at present," she said, alleging that the police were harassing the family because they could not locate the main accused.
Police Rebuttal: Claims of Finding Illegal Firearm Video
The Jagatsinghpur police have issued a detailed statement, categorically refuting the woman's allegations as "baseless, false, and motivated." They assert that all actions were taken in strict adherence to legal procedures.
According to the police version, they received credible information about a suspicious person linked to a temple theft in the Hatt Bazar area. A team visited the suspect's residence for verification but found him absent. The police claim that during this visit, the suspect's wife and three sons confronted and argued with the personnel, leading the team to leave without cooperation.
The police's most significant counter-allegation involves a video. They stated that during their verification process, they found a video on the mobile phone of the minor son. In this video, the minor was seen holding a Mauser gun along with a magazine and live ammunition inside the house, in the presence of both his parents.
"Considering the seriousness of the matter and taking into account the age of the minor also the gravity of the offence, the child was subsequently called for counselling regarding possession of illegal firearm along with elder family members on December 18," a police officer explained. They insist the boy was brought in for counselling, not assault.
Seeking Justice and the Path Ahead
Aklima Bibi has sent copies of her complaint to the OHRC and the Director General of Police (DGP), Odisha, seeking justice and action against the officers involved. The case now presents two starkly contrasting narratives.
On one side is a mother's account of police overreach and violence against a child. On the other is the police's defense, anchored by the serious claim of illegal firearm possession involving a minor. The Odisha Human Rights Commission is expected to examine both versions, the medical evidence, and the disputed video as part of its inquiry to establish the facts.
This incident has brought focus on police procedures during investigations involving family members of accused persons and the handling of minors in conflict with the law. The outcome of the rights panel's investigation will be crucial in determining the next steps for both the complainant and the accused police personnel.
