Odisha: Woman police inspector suspended for custodial torture of mother-son duo

The Odisha Director General of Police (DGP) has placed the Inspector-In-Charge (IIC) of Talachua Marine Police Station in Odisha’s Kendrapara district under suspension after prima facie was established against the woman officer regarding the custodial torture of a mother-son duo inside the police station.

“A disciplinary proceeding is contemplated against Inspector Sandhyarani Jena, Inspector Talchua Marine Police Station of Kendrapara district for her misconduct and dereliction of duty.

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And whereas, it is considered expedient in the interest of public service.

I therefore in exercise of power conferred under Rule-840 of PMR-1940 place inspector Jena IIC Talchua marine PS of Kendrapara district under suspension with immediate effect.

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During the period the order remains in force, she shall remain under the disciplinary control of the Inspector General (Central Range) of Police, Cuttack. She shall draw Subsistence Allowance and Dearness Allowance as admissible under Rule-90 of Odisha Service Code”, the DGP in an order issued yesterday stated.

Earlier Kendrapara Superintendent of Police had asked the Sub Divisional Police Officer, Pattamundai to inquire into the alleged custodial torture. The findings of the inquiry indicted the IIC, Talchual marine police station and held her responsible for the torture of the duo inside the police station.

The victims, Annapurna Mandal (55) and her son Ananta Kumar Mandal (31) of Giripahi village were summoned to the police station for questioning in connection with a pending litigation and were allegedly subjected to custodial torture on Monday last. The duo was allegedly brutally assaulted in custody, confined inside a toilet for nearly four hours and forced to sign blank papers. Annapurna further claimed that she was disrobed and that police personnel wiped off the sindoor from her forehead.

Both sustained multiple injuries and were later admitted to the Community Health Centre at Rajnagar. Medical examination confirmed injury marks on their bodies, according to the official report.