Bhubaneswar Gang Rape Case: Probe Transferred To Crime Branch

Bhubaneswar: The probe into the gang rape allegations in the Capital city took a new turn today after the case, which was being investigated by the Commissionerate Police, was transferred to the Crime Branch.

Even though a PIL has already been filed in the Orissa High Court seeking CBI or a SIT probe into the case and the HC has scheduled the next hearing for October 12, the State government transferring the case has raised many eyebrows.

It is believed that such a decision has been taken to drag the case. "The State government should have waited for the decision of the court. Police should reveal details about the alleged involvement of police personnel in the case," said senior lawyer, Sourachandra Mohapatra.

Repeated questioning and harassment of people who are working in an organisation shows that the investigation is not moving on the right track, he said.

On August 30, a woman had lodged a complaint alleging rape of her minor daughter citing involvement of some employees of OTV, a police official and two of his associates in the crime.

However, on October 5, Twin City Police Commissioner, Sudhanshu Sarangi said that the investigation into the alleged gang rape case is underway and the concern over the identity of the police personnel involved in the crime is not central to the ongoing probe.

On being asked whether police have identified the police personnel allegedly involved in the case, Sarangi said, “It is not the focus of the probe. The investigation is in being carried out from a different angle.”

While the police are yet to identify the cops allegedly involved in the case, surprisingly, they have repeatedly questioned of senior employees of OTV, who have no involvement in the crime.

It is pertinent to mention that OTV and the channel authorities have been cooperating with the investigating agency and have also submitted all the relevant documents sought by the Odisha State Commission for Women in connection with the case.