Kendrapara: Odisha Police placed Inspector Sandhyarani Jena, the Inspector-in-Charge (IIC) of Talchua Marine Police Station, under suspension following allegations of custodial torture of a woman and her son in Kendrapara district.

According to an official order, a disciplinary proceeding has been contemplated against Inspector Jena for alleged “gross misconduct and dereliction of duty.” Exercising powers under Rule 840 of the Police Manual Rules (PMR)-1940, the Director General of Police (DGP), Odisha ordered her immediate suspension in the interest of public service.

During the suspension period, she will remain under the disciplinary control of the Inspector General (IG) of Police, Central Range, Cuttack. She will also be entitled to salary and dearness allowance (DA) as admissible under Rule 90 of the Odisha Service Code.

Woman, son allege third-degree torture inside Talchua Marine PS

The action came after serious allegations surfaced that a 58-year-old woman and her son were subjected to third-degree torture inside the police station.

As per the complaint lodged with the Pattamundai Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), Annapurna Mandal, wife of Paban Kumar Mandal of Giriapahi village under Baghamari panchayat, along with her son Ananta Kumar Mandal, had gone to the police station on May 25 to report a family dispute.

However, instead of registering their complaint, police personnel allegedly abused and assaulted them. Annapurna alleged that Inspector Sandhyarani Jena dragged her by the hair, slapped her and wiped off the sindoor from her forehead.

She further claimed that her son was taken inside a toilet and brutally beaten by the IIC and a constable. The complainant also alleged that the police attempted to strangulate her son during the assault.

According to the complaint, the mother and son were threatened with false criminal cases if they disclosed the alleged torture to anyone. Annapurna further alleged that police seized her son’s mobile phone and forced both of them to sign blank papers.

The duo was allegedly detained inside the police station from around 6 pm to 11:40 pm before being released.

Family members later took them home in an auto-rickshaw as they were reportedly unable to walk due to the assault. On the following morning, both were admitted to the Rajnagar Community Health Centre for treatment.

Medical examination reportedly revealed multiple injury marks on Annapurna’s hands and on Ananta’s neck, legs, hands and back.

The matter was subsequently brought to the notice of the Superintendent of Police. Pattamundai SDPO Sukanta Kumar Patra said an investigation was underway and assured that appropriate action would be taken based on the findings.