The Odisha Director General of Police (DGP) has placed the Inspector-In-Charge (IIC) of the Talachua Marine Police Station in Odisha’s Kendrapara district under suspension after it was, prima facie, established that she was involved in the custodial torture of a mother-son duo inside the police station.
“A disciplinary proceeding is contemplated against Inspector Sandhyarani Jena of the Talchua Marine Police Station for misconduct and dereliction of duty.
“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 in Kendrapara district, under suspension with immediate effect,” the DGP’s order on Wednesday read.
“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 order added.
Earlier, the 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 of the Talchual Marine Police Station and held her responsible for the torture of the mother-son 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. 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 the police personnel wiped off the sindoor (vermilion) 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.