Narayanpatna: An inspector-in-charge of Bandhugaon police station in Koraput district was fired from his post Monday for assaulting a tribal couple last week.
IIC Prem Kumar Jena’s expulsion was recommended by the Human Rights Protection Cell (HRPC) — a wing of the state police — in its report in which it indicted him for the torture and public humiliation of Gangadhar Haraka and his wife over a fake complaint lodged by the couple’s daughter-in-law.
The couple hailing from Jaguguda village said they were disrobed in full public view and assaulted on a village road. The allegations of the tribal couple were subsequently found to be true after which action was taken against the officer, police said.
On being asked by Koraput superintendent of police Charan Singh Meena, DSP-rank officer Narahari Nayak visited the village Sunday and recorded the statements of the woman along with her husband. Besides, he also spoke to a few eyewitnesses. Police admitted the woman to the district headquarters hospital for treatment of her injuries sustained in the assault.
According to reports, the daughter-in-law of the couple lodged a fake complaint with police against the duo with police a few days ago. Acting on her complaint, the IIC of the police station summoned Gangadhar and his wife to resolve the issue. The officer, however, abused the tribal couple and levelled casteist remarks when they went to the police station.
Later, police came to the village April 16 and beat up Gangadhar’s wife mercilessly on a village road. The brutality didn’t end there. The officer continued to kick her even after she was almost disrobed in the process. The IIC left the village when the woman fell unconscious failing to withstand the assault. Similarly, Gangadhar and his son Surya were also taken to the police station and were brutally beaten up there. They too fell unconscious after the police torture.
Some villagers, during the probe, stated that they tried to resist the IIC. However, the officer warned them stay away from the matter otherwise he would shoot them down. He also alleged demanded Rs10,000 from the family.
Investigating officer Nayak also talked to accused officer Jena and submitted a report to SP Charan Singh Mina. Disciplinary action was taken on the basis of the findings. Besides, Laxmipur SDPO Hemant Kumar Padhi said over telephone. Besides, IIC Jena was asked not to leave the district headquarters. PNN
