Odisha Police Association Demands Reinstatement of Suspended Officers

The Odisha Police Association has urged the immediate withdrawal of suspension orders for five policemen allegedly involved in the torture of an Army officer and the sexual harassment of his fiancée. The association argues that the suspensions are premature, as the investigation is still ongoing.

The Odisha Police Association on Saturday called for the immediate withdrawal of suspension orders on five policemen allegedly involved in the torture of an Army officer and the sexual harassment of his fiancée at Bharatpur police station.

Describing the incident as unfortunate, association organizing secretary Umesh Chandra Sahu stated that as the investigation is ongoing, there is no reason to suspend the five police personnel. Addressing a press conference in Cuttack, Sahu insisted that the suspension orders be revoked immediately and the personnel be reinstated. A group of retired police officers also met Police Commissioner Sanjeeb Panda to voice similar concerns, emphasizing the importance of preserving the morale of the police force.

The call for reinstatement came a day after the father of the woman demanded the arrest and dismissal of the involved police officers. DGP Y B Khurania suspended the five police personnel on Thursday for gross misconduct.