[WATCH] Deceased Woman SI’s Family Sits On Dharna For Dismissal Of IIC In Odisha’s Kandhamal

Phulbani: The family of woman sub-inspector (SI) of police Swagatika Behera, who was found hanging in her official quarters in Odisha’s Kandhamal district, sat on a dharna in front of G Udyagiri police station on Sunday.

Swagatika’s family staged the protest demanding dismissal of G Udayagiri inspector-in-charge (IIC) Rebati Sabar for being responsible for the death of the SI.

On Saturday night, Swagatika’s mother Usharani had filed a complaint against the IIC alleging that her daughter took the extreme step as she was being mentally harassed and tortured by Sabar. “I am a widow who raised my daughter with a lot of hardships. She was my sole support. I seek justice for her untimely death. The IIC is responsible for my daughter’s death,” said Usharani. She also demanded a Crime Branch probe into Swagatika’s death.

Swagatika’s brother Manoranjan also alleged that she was under tremendous work and mental pressure. “While speaking to me over phone, Swagatika used to narrate the mental harassment by the IIC and cry over it. The IIC used to scold her in abusive language and tell her to quit as she was not able to handle her responsibilities,” he alleged.

“Swagatika’s mother has filed a complaint against Rebati. An investigation will be initiated based on her complaint. But we have not received any complaint against the IIC earlier,” said G Udayagiri Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Tirupati Rao Patnaik.

It is pertinent to mention here that Swagatika was staying alone in the official quarters allotted to her after she joined G Udaygiri police station around one and a half years back. She was found hanging in her quarters on Saturday morning.