BJD Demands Judicial Inquiry into Assault on Army Officer and Fiancée

Amid strong opposition from the BJD regarding the assault on an Army officer and his fiancée at the Bharatpur police station in Bhubaneswar, Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik has called for a judicial inquiry. Patnaik condemned the police’s actions, labeling them as “shocking,” particularly the alleged sexual assault on the Army Major’s fiancée.

During a press briefing, Patnaik highlighted the distressing incident, demanding swift action and a thorough investigation. He criticized the BJP government for halting beneficial programs from his administration, like the Mo Sarkar initiative, which sought citizen feedback on government services.

Patnaik also referenced another incident involving the Governor’s son, urging the government to take appropriate action against him, linking it to a culture of impunity that may have emboldened misconduct.

In response to the assault allegations, the Odisha Crime Branch has filed a case against five police personnel involved, following a complaint from Army Major Guruwant Singh. The accused include former Bharatpur police station IIC Dinakrushna Mishra and several others.