Bhubaneswar, November 16: The Odisha Government has extended the tenure of the Justice Chitta Ranjan Dash Commission of Inquiry, tasked with investigating the Bharatpur Police Station case, until January 31, 2025.
A notification to this effect was issued by the Home Department.
The commission, initially constituted on September 22, 2024, had a 60-day tenure ending on November 22, 2024. The extension was granted under Section 3 of the Orissa Commission of Inquiry Rules, 1979, citing the need for additional time to examine the complex case.
Case Background
The inquiry pertains to a high-profile incident at Bharatpur Police Station on September 15, 2024, involving an Army Major from the 22nd Sikh Regiment, Jalpaiguri, West Bengal, and his fiancée. They reportedly visited the police station to file a complaint regarding a road rage incident but were allegedly assaulted by police personnel.
According to reports:
The Army officer was beaten by on-duty police officials.
His fiancée was dragged into a cell, allegedly molested, and assaulted by male and female police personnel.
The Odisha Police took immediate action, suspending five personnel, including Bharatpur IIC Dinakrushna Mishra, and other staff members involved in the incident.
Progress of Inquiry
The commission, led by retired High Court Judge Justice Chitta Ranjan Dash, has summoned 16 individuals and received hundreds of affidavits. The extension will allow the commission to thoroughly examine the submissions and conclude its investigation.
The case has drawn significant public attention, highlighting issues of police accountability and the rights of citizens.
