Was a Man Chained at an Odisha Police Station Released After MP's Intervention?
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Synopsis
A shocking incident unfolded in Bhograi, Odisha, where BJP MP Pratap Chandra Sarangi intervened to rescue a man who had been illegally chained at a police station for two days. This act raises serious questions about police conduct and accountability in India.
Key Takeaways
- Illegal Detention: A man was unlawfully held in chains without any registered case.
- MP Intervention: BJP MP Pratap Chandra Sarangi played a crucial role in the rescue.
- Police Accountability: The incident highlights the need for stricter oversight of police actions.
- Human Rights Violations: The chaining of the victim raises serious ethical concerns.
- Suspension of Officials: The Inspector In-Charge faced immediate suspension for misconduct.
Bhubaneswar, June 20 (NationPress) BJP MP and former Union Minister Pratap Chandra Sarangi, following an unexpected inspection of the Bhograi police station in Balasore district, intervened to free an individual who had been unlawfully and cruelly confined at the station in iron shackles for the past two days.
According to reports, the individual, Kartika Chandra Bhol from Jayarampur village, was employed as an operator for a sound system owned by Manmath Dutta, a resident of Barabatia in the Bhograi block. Local sources indicated that in January, Kartika and Manmath had swapped motorcycles for unspecified reasons. Subsequently, Kartika allegedly refused to return Manmath's bike, insisting on receiving his outstanding salary.
On May 20, Jayanti Dutta, Manmath's wife, filed a complaint at the Bhograi Police Station, claiming that Kartika had stolen their motorcycle. The police took action by seizing the vehicle; however, they were unable to locate Kartika.
On June 17, Kartika and his wife reportedly visited the police station to retrieve his bike. However, police personnel allegedly mistreated the couple, detaining Kartika while instructing his wife to leave.
On Thursday, Kartika's wife was horrified to discover her husband in handcuffs, with his legs bound by iron chains. Learning of local MP Sarangi's presence, she and a relative hurried to a nearby location and recounted her distressing experience to him. Sarangi, who had conducted a surprise visit to the police station, promptly rescued Kartika.
He also demonstrated Kartika's dire situation to the District Superintendent of Police via a video call. 'The Bhograi Police Station has a troubling pattern of engaging in such inhumane behavior. Previously, I had spoken to the inspector in charge regarding similar incidents of chaining individuals. Reports indicate that the staff often arrest people for minor offenses while allowing serious criminals to roam free. In this case, the police detained the victim without any registered case, which is entirely illegal,' Sarangi stated.
Meanwhile, the Director General of Police, Odisha, Y.B. Khurania, has suspended the Inspector In-Charge of the Bhograi police station for serious misconduct and neglect of duty.
'Pending disciplinary proceedings, Sri Sriballav Sahu, IIC, Bhograi PS, Dist. Balasore, is immediately suspended for his gross misconduct and neglect of duty,' reads the order issued on Thursday.
Point of View
I emphasize the importance of holding law enforcement accountable for their actions. This incident not only reveals the troubling practices within the Bhograi police station but also highlights the critical need for reform in our policing system to ensure that justice is upheld for all citizens.
NationPress
20/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the man's detention at the police station?
The man was detained following a complaint from Manmath Dutta's wife, alleging that he had stolen their motorcycle.
Who intervened to rescue the man?
BJP MP and former Union Minister Pratap Chandra Sarangi intervened and rescued the man during a surprise visit to the police station.
What actions were taken against the police involved?
The Inspector In-Charge of the Bhograi police station was suspended for gross misconduct and neglect of duty.
How long was the man chained at the police station?
The man had been chained for two days before being rescued.
What are the implications of this incident?
This incident raises significant concerns about police conduct and human rights violations, emphasizing the need for reform in policing practices.
