Special Puja Held By New IIC At Bharatpur Police Station In Bhubaneswar After Custody Assault Row

Bhubaneswar: Special puja and certain religious rituals were performed at Bharatpur Police Station in Bhubaneswar after alleged custodial assault of an Army officer and his fiancée triggered a nationwide outrage.

As new Inspector-in-charge (IIC) of the police station Deepak Kumar Khandayatray took charge, special rituals were performed in an effort to ward off ‘evil’ forces from the premises, sources said.

The puja was performed by a priest for around two hours in the presence of some officials. The New IIC said that the ritual was his personal choice in order to ensure peace and calmness before assuming charge of the police station.

The priest, who conducted the puja, said, said all the rituals were performed for the pacification of ‘Naba Graha’ and to ward off evil forces from the premises.

Notably, ormer IIC of Bharatpur Police Station Dinakrushna Mishra has been placed under suspension was transferred following the alleged assault of the Army officer and his fiancée.
Odisha government on Monday ordered a Judicial inquiry into the incident.