After a massive umbrage emerged following the conundrum of an alleged custodial abuse of an Army officer and his fiancée in a Bhubaneswar police station, Chief Minister Mohan Majhi, stated that it was essential to treat women who come to the police station with complaints with the utmost respect and care.
On September 15th, the police personnel deployed at the Bharatpur police station in Bhubaneswar allegedly did not accept the complaint an Army officer and his fiancée wanted to lodge at 2 a.m. Instead, the complainants were allegedly subjected to assault and sexual harassment. The incident triggered nationwide outrage, with the Indian Army taking serious cognisance of it.
CM Majhi said, “Women should be received cordially, shown proper behaviour, and given a patient hearing, regardless of the time they come to the police station — whether it is during the day, evening, or even late at night, such as 2 a.m. It is absolutely sensitive when a woman arrives with a complaint during the night. Field-level police officers should be regularly trained and sensitised on this issue, especially during monthly district-level crime review meetings. Special attention must be paid to officers who are not giving this matter the importance it deserves.“
Mr. Majhi instructed the Director General of Police (DGP), Mr. Y B Khurania (1990-batch IPS officer), to provide a detailed district-wise report on crimes against women, including conviction rates, the status of pending investigations, and reasons for delays, within the next week. The CMO will determine the course of action after reviewing the report and consulting with the Law Department.
Addressing several senior IPS officers of the state, the CM said, “I was appalled by the dismal record on crimes against women. Disturbingly, there is a significant number of eve-teasing cases in Odisha. The police must treat this issue with utmost priority. It is their responsibility to ensure that girls and women can move freely without fear. The necessary steps must be taken to achieve this goal.“
The newly elected Chief Minister also emphasised the need to prevent online crime against women and children, and the strengthening of the Mahila and Sishu (women and child) Desk at police stations.
