NewsFlash Daily™
28 May
A woman police inspector in Odisha’s Kendrapara district has been suspended after serious allegations of custodial torture involving a woman and her son inside a marine police station
Bhubaneswar: A major controversy has erupted in Odisha after a woman police inspector was suspended over allegations of custodial torture at the Talchua Marine Police Station in Kendrapara district. The disciplinary action was taken following accusations that a woman and her son were subjected to “third-degree” torture while in police custody.
The suspended officer has been identified as Sandhyarani Jena, the inspector in charge of the Talchua Marine Police Station. Authorities stated that action was initiated against her on grounds of misconduct and dereliction of duty after the allegations triggered outrage locally.
Mother and Son Allege Custodial Torture in Odisha Police Station
According to reports, Annapurna Mandal, 55, and her son Ananta Kumar Mandal, 31, residents of Giripahi village, alleged that they were physically tortured inside the police station on Monday.
The mother-son duo had reportedly been summoned to the police station following a written complaint filed by Annapurna’s husband, Manoranjan Mandal, regarding a domestic dispute within the family.
Soon after the allegations surfaced, questions were raised over police conduct and the handling of civilians inside the station premises.
“The victims alleged they were subjected to third-degree torture inside the police station.”
Odisha Police Take Action Against Inspector
Following preliminary findings and mounting criticism, Odisha police authorities suspended inspector Sandhyarani Jena pending further investigation into the matter.
Officials stated that departmental inquiries are expected to examine the role of other officers allegedly involved in the custodial misconduct incident.
The case has also intensified discussions around custodial violence, police accountability and human rights protections during domestic dispute investigations.
Custodial Violence Concerns Raise Public Outrage
The incident has triggered concern among civil rights activists and local residents, who demanded strict action against those responsible if the allegations are proven true.
Legal experts have repeatedly stressed that custodial torture and physical abuse violate constitutional protections and human rights laws, regardless of the nature of the complaint being investigated.
Authorities are expected to record statements from the victims, examine medical evidence and review police station records as part of the ongoing inquiry.
Further developments are awaited as the investigation continues in Kendrapara district.
