Odisha Custody Torture: Justice Das Details Probe Progress, Report Likely By Mid-Jan

Bhubaneswar: Justice Chitta Ranjan Dash Commission is expected to submit its findings in the alleged misbehaviour/assault on a serving Army officer and his fiancée inside Bharatpur police station in Odisha capital by mid-January.

Justice Das visited the police station on Wednesday for recreating the crime scene in presence of the Army captain and his fiancée. He later told reporters that the incident’s details have been largely established. “The spot visit was conducted to understand the relevance of the affidavits filed by both parties pertaining to the cases and also to cross-check the statements of the witnesses. The spots identified by the victims were marked. A detailed map was prepared based on their description and later police officers were called in to share details on the alleged misconduct by the duo,” he said.

He clarified that the spot visit was not conducted to collect any evidence since two months had elapsed since the alleged incident.

“525 affidavits have been scrutinised and those found relevant sent to both parties. They will respond to these in the next hearing scheduled for November 26. They will also provide a list of witnesses whom they would like to examine. This examination and cross-examination of the witnesses will begin after 7-8 days, following which the commission will submit its report in 15-20 days,” Justice Das said.

He further said that the accused in the Patharagadia road rage incident, involving the Army officer and his fiancée, have not submitted any affidavit.

He added that report, which will also include recommendations to prevent a recurrence while focusing on improving police conduct and systemic reforms, will be submitted by January 15-20.

On November 15, the Odisha government had extended the tenure of the commission till January 31, 2025. Its tenure was to expire on November 22. The commission had earlier recorded statements of the Army officer and his fiancée, who were allegedly assaulted by cops during their visit to Bharatpur police station to lodge a complaint over a road rage incident on September 15.