HC Declines Odisha Govt’s Request To Monitor Crime Branch Probe In ‘Custody Assault’ Case; Know Why

Don't Reveal Names Of Army Captain, Fiancée On Electronics, Print & Social Media Platforms, Says CJ

Bhubaneswar/Cuttack: The Orissa High Court on Monday declined the state government’s request to monitor the Crime Branch probe into the alleged assault of an Army officer and molestation of his fiancée at Bharatpur police station in Bhubaneswar.

“It is needless to say that power and duty of an investigating agency to investigate into a consignable offence is statutory and unless there are exceptional circumstances that the court should not interfere. We don’t find any reason to monitor the investigation. The court excepts that the investigating agency shall act independently and fairly,” Chief Justice Chakradhari Sharan Singh said.

The HC also directed against revealing names of the Army officer and his fiancée on electronics, print and social media platforms. It also asked ADG (Modernisation) Dayal Gangwar to submit status report of CCTVs at all police stations across the state.

While announcing a Commission of Inquiry headed by Justice CR Dash into the alleged custody assault incidents, Chief Minister Mohan Majhi had also requested the HC to monitor the ongoing Crime Branch investigation.

The Army Captain, his fiancée and her father also met the CM at Lok Seva Bhawan last evening.