Odisha cop suspended for assaulting woman, wiping sindoor at Kendrapara police station
Synopsis
A woman police officer in Odisha's Kendrapara district allegedly beat a mother and son who came to file a complaint, wiped sindoor from the woman's forehead, and threatened to kill them if they spoke out. The DGP suspended her within 48 hours after CCTV footage was reviewed — a rare swift institutional response that still raises hard questions about what happens to citizens who walk into police stations seeking help.
Key Takeaways
Inspector Sandhyarani Jena , IIC of Talchua Maritime Police Station , Kendrapara, Odisha , was suspended on 27 May 2026 .
Victim Annapurna Mandal alleged she was beaten, partially disrobed, and had sindoor wiped from her forehead when she visited the station on 26 May 2026 .
Her son was allegedly dragged into a toilet, stripped, beaten, and choked; both were released around 11:40 pm after reportedly signing blank papers.
Khurania issued the suspension order under Rule 840 of PMR-1940 , citing 'gross misconduct and dereliction of duty'.
Jena remains under the authority of the Central Range IG during disciplinary proceedings; she has denied all allegations.
A woman police officer at the Talchua Maritime Police Station in Kendrapara district, Odisha, has been placed under suspension after allegedly assaulting a married woman and her son who had come to file a domestic dispute complaint on Monday evening, 26 May 2026. The accused officer, Inspector Sandhyarani Jena, IIC of Talchua Marine Police Station, was suspended by Director General of Police (DGP) Y.B. Khurania on Wednesday, 27 May 2026, for what the order described as 'gross misconduct and dereliction of duty'.
What the Victim Alleged
Annapurna Mandal of Giriyapahi village visited the station around 6 pm along with her son to register a domestic dispute complaint. According to the complaint she later filed with Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Sukanta Patra of Pattamundai, Inspector Jena allegedly flew into a rage instead of recording the complaint. She allegedly abused the duo with foul language, grabbed Annapurna by the hair, beat her, partially disrobed her, and wiped the sindoor from her forehead — an act regarded as deeply violating in Hindu tradition, as sindoor is a sacred marker of a married woman's status.
Her son, too, was allegedly subjected to severe abuse. According to the complaint, he was dragged into the station toilet, stripped, and beaten by both the IIC and a constable — kicked, slapped, and struck with a stick on multiple body parts. The officer allegedly choked him by the throat and threatened to kill both mother and son if they spoke to anyone. Blank papers bearing their signatures were reportedly taken from them before they were released in a battered condition around 11:40 pm.
Medical Treatment and Formal Complaint
Annapurna sought medical treatment at Rajnagar Community Health Centre the following morning before approaching SDPO Patra with a formal complaint. Kendrapara Superintendent of Police visited the station on Wednesday and reviewed available CCTV footage from the premises. The footage reportedly informed the decision to act swiftly against the officer.
Suspension Order and Disciplinary Action
The DGP's suspension order, issued under Rule 840 of PMR-1940 vide letter number 1937, dated 27 May 2026, reads: 'Whereas, a disciplinary proceeding is contemplated against Inspector Sandhyarani Jena, IIC, Talchua Marine PS of Kendrapara district, for her gross misconduct and dereliction of duty. And whereas it is considered expedient in the interest of public service. I, therefore, in exercise of power conferred vide Rule 840 of PMR-1940, place Inspector Sandhyarani Jena, IIC, Talchua Marine PS of Kendrapara district under suspension with immediate effect.'
During the pendency of disciplinary proceedings, Jena will remain under the authority of the Central Range Inspector General of Police.
Officer Denies Allegations
Inspector Jena has denied all the charges, calling them false, and pointed to the CCTV cameras as evidence in her favour. However, according to reports, it was precisely the CCTV footage reviewed by the Kendrapara SP that prompted the suspension order. A full disciplinary inquiry is now underway.
The case has drawn sharp attention to conduct standards within Odisha's police force, particularly regarding the treatment of citizens who approach stations to seek help. The outcome of the disciplinary proceedings is awaited.
Point of View
Citing CCTV evidence — is notable in a country where police accountability cases routinely stall. But the details of the alleged assault are a reminder that the institutional reflex of intimidating complainants, including the reported use of blank signed papers, remains a documented pattern across Indian police stations. The sindoor wiping is not incidental; it signals a deliberate act of humiliation targeting the woman's identity and dignity. Whether the disciplinary proceeding leads to a criminal case against Jena, or quietly ends at suspension, will be the real test of accountability here.
NationPress
13 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Inspector Sandhyarani Jena suspended in Odisha?
Inspector Sandhyarani Jena, IIC of Talchua Maritime Police Station in Kendrapara, Odisha, was suspended on 27 May 2026 for allegedly assaulting a married woman and her son who had come to file a domestic dispute complaint. The DGP cited 'gross misconduct and dereliction of duty' in the suspension order.
What did the victim allege happened at the Kendrapara police station?
Victim Annapurna Mandal alleged that Inspector Jena beat her, grabbed her by the hair, partially disrobed her, and wiped sindoor from her forehead. Her son was allegedly dragged into a toilet, stripped, beaten by the officer and a constable, choked, and threatened with death. Both were reportedly made to sign blank papers before being released around 11:40 pm.
What is the significance of wiping sindoor from a woman's forehead?
Sindoor is a sacred symbol of marriage in Hindu tradition, worn by married women. Wiping it off is considered a deeply violating and humiliating act, as it symbolically strips a woman of her marital status and dignity.
What action did Odisha police take against Inspector Jena?
Director General of Police Y.B. Khurania placed Inspector Jena under suspension with immediate effect on 27 May 2026, under Rule 840 of PMR-1940. She will remain under the disciplinary authority of the Central Range IG during the pendency of proceedings.
Has Inspector Sandhyarani Jena responded to the allegations?
Yes, Jena has denied all the allegations, calling the charges false and citing CCTV cameras as evidence in her defence. However, it was reportedly the same CCTV footage, reviewed by the Kendrapara SP, that led to her suspension.
