Odisha Police Inspector Suspended Over Alleged Custodial Abuse

An inspector from Talchua Marine Police Station in Odisha's Kendrapara district has been suspended after allegations of custodial abuse surfaced. The officer is accused of torturing a mother and her son while they were in custody.

Annapurna Mandal and her son Ananta Kumar Mandal claimed they suffered severe treatment at the hands of inspector Sandhyarani Jena. The incident allegedly occurred after Annapurna's husband filed a complaint against them. They reported being assaulted, detained in a toilet for hours, and forced to sign blank documents. Annapurna also stated her vermillion was removed, adding to the distress.

Subsequent to the reported injuries, the mother and son were taken to a Rajnagar health centre. An official suspension order has been issued against Jena, accusing her of misconduct and launching disciplinary proceedings. She will remain under surveillance during the suspension. The police superintendent has been tasked with managing the order and preparing the case for the proceedings, although the inspector has refuted all accusations.

(With inputs from agencies.)