Bharatpur Custody Torture Case: Judicial Commission Completes Probe, Report By Feb 28

Bhubaneswar: The Judicial Commission headed by retired High Court Judge Justice Chittaranjan Dash has completed probe into the alleged torture of an Army officer and his fiancée at Bharatpur police station in Bhubaneswar last year.

The commission was formed to thoroughly investigate the incident and will soon submit its report to the state government. The inquiry commission will submit its final report to the government based on the gathered evidence by the February 28, official sources said on Wednesday.

Following widespread outrage after the incident, the state government had constituted the Judicial Commission to investigate the case. During the inquiry, the commission sought views from everyone involved through affidavits, receiving over 500 responses. The commission recorded statements from all individuals involved and concluded its investigation after examining witnesses, evidence, and affidavits.

Commission Secretary Subhendra Mohanty told reporters that the investigation has been completed, and the commission will submit its report to the government by February 28. The commission’s term was set to expire on January 31.

The lawyer for the Army officer’s fiancée had sought time until February 15 to question the accused police officials and 35 witnesses. However, the commission concluded its investigation due to time constraints.

It may be noted that the incident took place on September 14 last year, when an Army officer and his fiancée were allegedly mistreated and tortured by police officials at the Bharatpur police station. The couple had visited the station to file a complaint, but the police argued with them, sparking a major controversy that led the state government to order a judicial probe

The state government had previously placed five police personnel under suspension and ordered a judicial inquiry into the incident.