Army officer, partner claim custodial assault, harassment by Odisha Police

An Army officer and his partner have accused the Odisha Police of custodial abuse and claimed they were mistreated while reporting to them an attack on them by a group of miscreants.
According to the Army sources, the couple, who approached a police station in Bhubaneswar on the night of September 14, alleged that they were subjected to physical assault, molestation and unlawful detention by police personnel.
The officer and his partner alleged they were attacked by a group of miscreants while driving home from her workplace in Bhubaneswar, Army sources said. The couple claimed that the attackers, travelling in three cars, used abusive language and were engaged in physical violence before fleeing the scene, they added.
After noting down the registration number of one of the vehicles, the couple sought help at the police station and expected swift action.
But contrary to their expectations, the couple alleged that police officers on duty not only refused to act immediately but also insisted they first file a written complaint before any action could be taken. Tensions escalated when the couple asked to speak with senior officers, leading to a heated exchange.
The situation worsened when the Army officer’s partner was taken into a separate room by a female police officer and alleged that she was stripped, molested and physically assaulted. A male officer reportedly entered the room, used derogatory language and threatened her.
On the other hand, the Army officer was allegedly detained, physically manhandled and held in custody for over ten hours, before being released after senior Army officials intervened.
Following this, the couple requested a medical examination at SUM Hospital, where the Army officer’s partner was said to have visible bruises and injuries. They also claimed that their medical report was not provided to them.
Upon their return to the police station, the couple alleged that they were pressured to issue an apology, which they refused.