Kendrapada: A three-member team of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) team has started a ground investigation into the alleged assault of a woman sarpanch by police and a BDO in Kendrapada district.
Earlier this year, Tikhiri gram panchayat sarpanch Chameli Ojha had alleged that she was assaulted by police after questioning officials over pending payments for development works and alleged irregularities in the panchayat.
The NHRC team, comprising Deputy Superintendent of Police Isam Singh, Gugan Ram and Shashi Bala Sharma, arrived in Kendrapada on Monday night to investigate Ojha’s complaint.
The inquiry began on Tuesday at Mahakalapada police station, where the team recorded the statements of then IIC Manas Kumar Mallick and other police personnel. Thje team later questioned Mahakalapada BDO Rabi Narayan Acharya and other block officials.
The NHRC team subsequently visited Ojha at her residence in Tikhiri and recorded her statement and those of local villagers.
Ojha has alleged that she was abused and assaulted by police after being taken from the BDO’s office on 11 June.
She claimed the incident followed her demand for clearance of pending bills for development works in her panchayat and allegations that officials were obstructing the projects.
During its four-day inquiry, the NHRC team is expected to record statements of eyewitnesses, doctors at the Kendrapada district headquarters hospital and others connected with the case.
It will also examine official records and available video footage and scrutinise the police and administrative versions of the incident, officials said.
It was also alleged that Ojha was implicated in a criminal case registered on the BDO’s complaint, and booked under charges including attempt to murder, causing hurt and obstructing a public servant.
ALSO READ: NHRC Seeks Report On Odisha Woman Sarpanch Chameli Ojha Case
The NHRC subsequently sought a report from the Kendrapada district magistrate and superintendent of police. The SP reported that three FIRs had been registered in connection with the incident and described them as cross-cases.
Ojha had earlier approached Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, alleging that officials were withholding payments for completed development works.
ALSO READ: Woman Sarpanch Row: Odisha Govt Seeks Report As Oppn Makes Beeline To Kendrapada
