Odisha: Bhograi IIC suspended for handcuffing youth & torturing without case

Balasore, June 20: The Inspector-in-Charge (IIC) of Bhograi police station in Odisha’s Balasore district, Sriballabh Sahoo, was on Thursday placed under suspension over charges of custodial excesses, informed DIG (Eastern Range) Dr. Satyajit Naik.

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Odisha DGP YB Khurania placed IIC Sahoo under suspension for dereliction of duty. According to an order issued by Khurania, the suspension came in response to complaints that one Kartik Chandra Bhola was allegedly detained and subjected to physical and mental harassment while in police custody without any FIR being registered against him.

The action was taken after Balasore MP Pratap Sarangi raised the matter with Superintendent of Police (SP) Raj Prasad.

As per reports, Kartik, a microphone operator, was allegedly handcuffed on both hands and legs and kept in police custody for two days. The incident is linked to a dispute over the exchange of a motorcycle with Manmath Dutta, a staff member of an opera group. 

Though Dutta had lodged a complaint nearly 20 days earlier, police had not formally registered a case.

Sources say that Kartik and his wife Sabita were called to Bhograi police station two days ago. Upon reaching there, Kartik was reportedly handcuffed without any proper explanation and beaten up. 

While returning home, Sabita met MP Pratap Sarangi, who was visiting the area and informed him about the situation. The MP quickly went to the police station, where he found Kartik still in cuffs. He recorded a video of Kartik’s condition and sent it to SP Raj Prasad, urging him to take immediate action.

Following this, senior police officials launched an investigation, and the DGP suspended IIC Sahoo based on the findings.

In his defense, the IIC claimed he used handcuffs because of a manpower shortage at the police station.

The case has raised serious concerns about police conduct and custodial rights. 

Further investigation into the matter was underway.