Bharatpur Case: Bhubaneswar, (Reporterspen) Sept 30: A week after the Odisha government announced a judicial inquiry into the alleged assault of an Army officer and his fiancée while in custody, the Commission of Inquiry began its work on Monday. Chaired by Justice (Retd) Chitta Ranjan Dash, a former judge of the Orissa and Calcutta High Courts, the commission is tasked with investigating the incident that occurred at Bhubaneswar’s Bharatpur Police Station.
Preliminary activities commenced at the office established in the Special Circuit House in Bhubaneswar. The commission is expected to issue notifications and invite affidavits from relevant parties involved in the case.
Director General of Police (DGP) Y.B. Khurania and other senior officials were present as the inquiry process began. The state government has already outlined the terms of reference for the Commission of Inquiry.
The incident, which has sparked nationwide outrage, prompted Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to order the judicial probe last week. The commission has been instructed to submit its report within 60 days.
In addition to the Commission of Inquiry, an ongoing Crime Branch investigation into the matter is also underway.
It is important to note that the army officer and his fiancée initially visited the Bharatpur police station on September 15 to file a complaint regarding road rage, during which they were allegedly harassed by local youths.
