The torture case involving an Army Major and Bandhavi at Bharatpur police station has sparked politicization. In response, BJJ has called for a 6-hour shutdown in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday, the 24th. Senior BJJ leader Devi Prasad Mishra announced this during a pre-committee meeting, stating that the shutdown will occur from 6 am next Tuesday.
Mishra emphasized that “our motherhood has been corrupted” and accused officials of attempting to suppress the incident. He demanded a judicial inquiry into the matter and confirmed that BJJ would observe the shutdown after extensive discussions.
BJP leader Phillip Mallick countered by asserting that the BJP government is taking this incident very seriously. He noted that five officers faced immediate suspension and that the Chief Minister is personally monitoring the situation. Mallick stated, “Unlike Naveen Patnaik, he is not hiding his face. Convicts will receive tangible punishment.”
Mallick criticized those who previously ignored incidents of violence, suggesting they have no moral authority to comment on this issue.
The incident escalated on the night of the 15th, when seven accused individuals assaulted the Major and his Bandhavi. In response, five police officers, including the IIC, faced suspension.
The Indian Army has written to the Chief Justice of the High Court, demanding an independent investigation into the incident. Additionally, police have contacted the DG, urging concrete action against the accused. The National Commission for Women has also requested a report from the DG of Police. Conversely, the Odisha Police Officers Association has expressed support for the suspended officers.
Meanwhile, police arrested seven suspects, known as “Road Romeos,” linked to this incident, although they have since secured bail. Attention now focuses on the investigation’s direction and the actions that will follow.