BHUBANESWAR: Hours after ordering a judicial inquiry into the alleged assault of a serving army officer and sexual harassment of his fiancée at Bharatpur police station, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday met a delegation of ex-servicemen along with the victim and her father, and assured them of justice.
The chief minister, however, is reported to have requested them not to make the incident an issue between the Army and police as it is a case of crime against a woman. The state government has initiated prompt action by arresting seven persons who misbehaved with the lady and the army officer. Five police personnel who had allegedly assaulted the duo in the police station have been immediately suspended, he said.
The chief minister reiterated his government has zero tolerance to crime against women and said steps have been taken to make cities and towns safe so that women can venture out even during night time. The police has been asked to improve security measures and intensify patrolling activities to prevent such incidents, he added.
Talking to mediapersons after the meeting, father of the victim retired Brigadier Antaryami Pradhan said the discussion with the chief minister went off well. “We had requested the state government for a judicial probe as we were not very confident about the impartiality of the investigation by Crime Branch. I thanked the chief minister for accepting our demand. We are happy that the judicial inquiry will be completed in a time-bound manner within 60 days of the notification,” Pradhan said.
He further said that the issue of safety and security of his daughter was also discussed and the CM assured that necessary instructions have been issued to the police in this connection.
“The third issue was about the smooth operation of the restaurant owned by my daughter without any interference of the local people. The CM assured that police will be instructed to take care of it and initiate prompt action in case of any disturbance,” he added.
Govt readies action plan for safety of women
State Law minister Prithiviraj Harichandan said this was the first instance in the country where a state government ordered two parallel inquiries - one by a judicial commission and the other by the CB - in a single case. “This shows the commitment of the government to provide justice to the people,” he said.
Deputy chief minister KV Singh Deo and Revenue minister Suresh Pujari were also present.
Meanwhile, chief secretary Manoj Ahuja held a meeting with DGP YB Khurania and Crime Branch ADG Arun Bothra to discuss measures that should be taken to ensure the safety of the women.
“Some plans are in the pipeline and a few more are being discussed for the safety and security of the women. A detail plan of action is being prepared and further steps will be taken accordingly,” said a senior official.