Naveen Patnaik Demands Judicial Probe Into ‘Sexual’ Assault of Army Major’s Fiancé in Police Station

Bhubaneswar: Former Odisha CM and BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik on Friday demanded a judicial inquiry into the alleged sexual harassment of an Army Major’s Fiancé in Bharatpur police station in Bhubaneswar.

He termed the incident as an indicator of “incompetence” of the BJP government in the state. He termed it as “very shocking”.

“All have heard of what recently happened to an Army Major and his fiancé at a police station here. This is very very shocking news of the violence that was meted out to both of them and the alleged sexual assault on the Major’s fiancé. We demand a full judicial inquiry into this matter and action must be taken very quickly,” Patnaik said.

Five policemen including the IIC of Bharatpur police station were suspended in relation with the alleged assault of the army officer and “molestation” of his female friend. On Friday, criminal cases were lodged against them by the Odisha Crime Branch.

The woman, who was arrested in Bhubaneswar for allegedly misbehaving with the police, claimed that she was sexually harassed after being taken into custody.

Taking suo motu cognisance of the incident, the National Commission for Women sought an action taken report from the DGP.

Patnaik, the leader of opposition in the assembly, condemned the incident and termed it as “very shocking”.