Custodial Death Row: Arun Bothra Defends Odisha Police Tweet On Suspended Cop

Bhubaneswar: Amidst the furore over the custodial death of an accused in Sundargarh district, Odisha cadre IPS officer Arun Bothra on Saturday defended a tweet by the state police to inform about the suspension of the IIC of Birmitrapur police station, Smruti Prava Pradhan, for gross misconduct and dereliction of duty.

Notably, former CBI interim director and Odisha-cadre IPS officer M Nageswar Rao had objected to the tweet, saying it was “public humiliation” for the officer. “Sharing of information on media & social media about the suspension of a police officer, is public humiliation of officer &his/her family. It is inhuman. Punish the guilty but don’t humiliate,” Rao had tweeted on Friday night.

On the other hand, Bothra countered Rao by saying that such an action against an erring police officer will inspire public confidence.

He tweeted, “I beg to differ sir. A well thought of action against an erring police officer inspires confidence of people that we are accountable. It’s also a deterrent for potential offenders. We are in public service & punishment for official wrongdoing can’t be a private affair. Regards.”

Also Read: ‘Odisha Police, Don’t Humiliate Family By Sharing Info About Cop’s Suspension On Social Media’