Bhadrak: A thorough will be conducted into allegations of police misconduct, extortion and delay in providing medical assistance after a road mishap on National Highway-16 near Maitapur in Odisha’s Bhadrak district last week.
Sources said Bhadrak Superintendent of Police (SP) Manoj Kumar Rout on Wednesday ordered an inquiry into the allegations relating to the incident that took place on the night of June 6.
Stating that he had conducted a preliminary inquiry into the incident, Rout said he has assigned Additional SP Arup Abhishek Behera to carry out a detailed investigation.
As part of the probe, the circumstances leading to the accident, the response of police personnel at the scene, and the allegations raised in a viral video circulating on social media would all be examined.
The role of all personnel involved, including PCR van staff, constables, home guards, and others, will be verified. If any wrongdoing is found, strict action will be taken as per law, t
he SP said.
He further stated that police had contacted the 108 ambulance and fire services immediately after the incident. Although the ambulance reached the spot, there was a delay in its arrival. He said the injured person was initially shifted to a PCR van on the request of the driver, as police were waiting for the ambulance in case advanced medical support was required. Once the ambulance reached the location, the injured person was shifted to it for further treatment.
On allegations of money extortion by police personnel, SP Rout said the matter was under investigation. “If any involvement is established, action will be taken as per law,” he added.
Meanwhile, the incident has triggered public outrage after a video showing police conduct during the accident went viral on social media.
It was earlier reported that on the night of June 6, a police patrol team under NH patrolling duties, reportedly involving SPO Sanatan Raut and others, was allegedly stopping poultry-laden vehicles near Maitapur on NH-16 and demanding money.
It is alleged that during one such incident, a poultry vehicle moved forward and collided with another car on the highway, leaving Santosh Mallick critically injured. While the driver escaped unhurt, the driver of the other vehicle reportedly sought immediate help from police personnel at the scene.
However, it was alleged that assistance was delayed as police personnel were involved in extortion activities at the time of the incident. A complaint was later lodged at Bhadrak Rural Police Station.
On receiving the complaint, police initiated an inquiry into the matter.