2 Home Guards Dismissed, 1 OAPF Personnel Suspended For Thrashing Minor Boy Selling Tea In Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: Two home guards were dismissed and an OAPF personnel was suspended on Monday for thrashing a minor boy for selling tea at Kesura area in the city. The Special Police Officer (SPO) has been recommended to be dismissed in connection with the incident.

DCP Uma Shankar Das told Odisha Bytes that they have taken action on the basis of CCTV footage and the report submitted by the Additional DCP. “The PCR van personnel of Badagada police station were suspended on the basis of the CCTV footage and two others have been brought under the purview of investigation,” he added.

On June 29, four police personnel arrived in a PCR van and questioned the minor boy, who was selling tea and milk in Kesura area, for violating the COVID protocol by keeping the shop open even after the stipulated hours. One of the cops started abusing the boy and kicked him repeatedly.

Speaking to the media, the boy said he had to open the shop as his father was ill. “The policemen came and questioned me while one of them thrashed and kicked me mercilessly. They also took some milk and bread packets with them before leaving the place,” he added.