Woman constable harassment case: Petitions urge NHRC to seek report from Odisha DGP
Odisha: Two rights activists have approached the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) seeking a detailed status report from the Odisha Director General of Police (DGP) regarding the alleged harassment of a female constable by senior police officers in Angul. In their petition, lawyer Anup Kumar Patra and social activist Subrata Kumar Das have requested the Commission to order an independent investigation into the allegations. They also sought protection for the female constable, Sumitra Biswal.
Meanwhile, an investigation has been ordered into the harassment allegations leveled by Biswal against senior police officers.
Based on the constable’s allegations, Angul Superintendent of Police Rahul Jain stated that a female Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) has been appointed to investigate the matter. Additionally, the department’s Internal Complaints Committee will also conduct a parallel investigation.
Biswal, a female constable posted in the District Police Reserve, had submitted a written complaint to the Superintendent of Police (SP), alleging mental harassment by a reserve inspector and another staff member. She also stated her intention to resign from her job.
She alleged that Reserve Inspector Gobind Mahar and Writer Constable Shubhkant Sahu repeatedly harassed her during her tenure.
The Superintendent of Police (SP) stated, “A thorough investigation will be conducted into the matter. Appropriate action will be taken based on the investigation report.”
