Odisha Custodial Assault Case Sparks Army-Police Clash

An incident in Odisha, where a woman has accused the police of sexually assaulting her while her Army officer fiancé was allegedly illegally detained, has led to a massive uproar across the country. Army veterans, including retired General VK Singh, have expressed outrage, calling the incident “shameful and horrendous.” On the other hand, some retired police officers have questioned the behavior of the couple, claiming they were intoxicated.

The controversy erupted when the couple went to file a complaint regarding a road rage incident at Bharatpur Police Station. The woman has alleged that she was beaten and sexually assaulted inside the station, while her Army officer fiancé was illegally locked in a cell. Following the uproar, five police officers were suspended.

Army’s Perspective:
Retired General VK Singh demanded immediate action against the police officers involved. “What happened to the fiancée of an Army officer in Bharatpur police station is shameful and horrendous. The Chief Minister must take immediate action,” Singh tweeted.

Several veterans have voiced their concerns on social media platforms, with some warning of a “tremendous rage” building up within the Army. Major Gaurav Arya (retd) called the police’s treatment of the Army officer a crime, especially the alleged mistreatment of the lady.

Police’s Perspective:
Meanwhile, former CBI director M Nageswara Rao and the Odisha Retired Police Officers Welfare Association raised concerns about the Army officer’s alleged drunken behavior. They questioned whether any action was taken against the officer for drink-driving and engaging in a brawl with engineering students.

Rao pointed out that the couple refused to undergo a medical examination. He urged the Army to hold the officer accountable for his conduct, adding that it was wrong to criticize the entire police force for the actions of a few.

This case has triggered a massive debate on social media, with both the Army and police sides engaging in a heated exchange of accusations.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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