Eastern Range DIG meets Jaleswar SDPO following suicide threat

Deputy Inspector General (DIG)-Eastern Range visited Jaleswar Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Brajamohan Pradhan at a hospital in Balasore district on Wednesday after the SDPO threatened to take an extreme step and end his life by suicide.

Also Read: Former Bharatpur police station IIC accused of discouraging man to lodge bike theft complaint in past!

According to sources, Eastern Range DIG met the SDPO and inquired about Brajamohan's health condition. Allegedly, the SDPO was insulted during a general meeting in the presence of everyone. Abusive language was used, and suspension threats were reportedly issued.

SDPO Pradhan in acute distress!

The Jaleswar SDPO had earlier penned a letter to the Inspector General (IG), citing acute distress due to alleged mental harassment by some higher-ups in the district.

In his correspondence, the SDPO had accused the District Collector and the Superintendent of Police (SP) of causing him significant mental anguish. He also alleged that public insults and threats of suspension were regularly directed at him, leading to unbearable pressure that pushed him to contemplate suicide if his grievances remained unaddressed.

The allegations are yet to prompt a public response from the District Collector, the SP, or the DIG, who met the SDPO admitted to the health facility. This has sparked concerns about the working conditions and mental health care available to officers in the district.

Pradhan’s situation underscores the urgent need for robust support systems for officers under pressure. If his claims are substantiated, they reveal the systemic issues demanding immediate intervention by senior police and administrative officials.

“I was scolded by all (the District Collector and the SP) in a meeting like a criminal. Hence, seeking justice, I had written to my authorities (Department higher-ups), not to anyone else. I cannot join my duties at Jaleswar and Balasore offices early every morning at the age of 58 years. I cannot also cover the distances of more than 60 kilometres daily. This is beyond my capabilities,” the Jaleswar SDPO said to OTV.

Must Read: Extramarital affair: Odisha Police SI allegedly caught red-handed, wife files complaint

“I may be withdrawn from the Balasore office and be transferred to the police headquarters instead. Everyone is saying, they (the District Collector and the SP) will spoil my career and I would not even get my retirement benefits,” the SDPO added when contacted.