Bhubaneswar, May 31: The Odisha Police administration has transferred the Inspector-in-Charge (IIC) of Baranga Police Station following allegations that a local youth was subjected to third-degree torture while in police custody. The decision comes after widespread public protests and growing demands for an impartial investigation into the incident.

The controversy began when residents of Chandiprasad village accused police personnel of illegally detaining and physically assaulting a young man identified as Rakesh Behera. According to villagers and family members, Rakesh had approached the police seeking assistance in tracing his missing wife. During the course of the investigation, police reportedly recovered the body of an unidentified woman and asked Rakesh to confirm whether it belonged to his wife.

Family members alleged that when Rakesh refused to identify the body as that of his wife, he was subjected to severe custodial torture. The allegations quickly spread across the area, triggering anger among local residents and human rights activists.

As news of the incident gained attention, hundreds of villagers gathered outside Baranga Police Station and staged protests demanding justice. Demonstrators accused the police of abusing their authority and called for strict action against the officers involved. Protesters also blocked the busy Trisulia–Bhubaneswar road for several hours, causing major traffic disruptions and forcing authorities to deploy additional police personnel to restore normalcy.

In response to the public outcry, the police administration transferred Baranga IIC Niranjan Behera to the office of the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Cuttack. The authorities also assigned the additional charge of Baranga Police Station to another senior officer to ensure smooth functioning of the station while the inquiry proceeds.

Senior police officials have, however, denied the allegations of custodial torture. According to police sources, Rakesh was already suffering from health complications, including kidney and lung-related ailments, and his physical condition may have deteriorated due to medical reasons rather than police action. Officials stated that an investigation is underway and that CCTV footage from the police station will be examined to determine the facts.

The matter has attracted the attention of top police authorities in the state. Odisha Director General of Police (DGP) Y.B. Khurania has reportedly sought a detailed report on the incident and directed officials to conduct a fair and transparent inquiry. Authorities have assured the public that appropriate action will be taken if any officer is found guilty of misconduct.

In a significant development, police later confirmed that Rakesh’s wife, who had been reported missing, was traced alive in New Delhi. The revelation has added a new dimension to the case and raised further questions about the circumstances surrounding Rakesh’s detention and treatment.

As investigations continue, local residents, civil society groups, and rights activists are closely monitoring the case. The outcome of the inquiry is expected to play a crucial role in determining whether disciplinary or legal action will be initiated against the officials concerned, while also shaping public confidence in law enforcement and custodial accountability in the state.

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