Malkangiri: A day after alleged torture of four minor boys by police came to light in Malkangiri district, a departmental inquiry has been launched in the matter by the police.
Besides, the district collector has asked the District Child Protection Officer to inquire into the matter.
As per reports, the police department that is probing the case has already refuted the allegations of brutality including administering of electric shock to the four minors accused by its personnel.
The case came to the limelight after the minor boys arrested on charges of burglary alleged in front of the camera that they were subjected to torture on the night of February 12. They further alleged that the cops administered electric shocks on their knees.
"It might be true that they have committed the burglary, but that does not justify the inhuman torture at the police station. The boys were bleeding from their mouth and nose," alleged a relative of one of the minors.
Refuting the allegations, Sunaram Hembram, the SDPO of Chitrakonda said, "The initial inquiry has revealed that the allegations against the police are baseless. There are no adverse remarks in the medical examination report of the minor boys."
"However, we are thoroughly probing the case given its sensitivity," Hembram added.
It is pertinent to mention here that, the police had taken the four boys to the police station on February 12 in connection with a robbery case in the house of a home guard. The four were allegedly subjected to brutal torture in the custody for the next three days and also given electric shock.
Meanwhile, the four minors were presented before the juvenile justice board which granted bail to three of them while another one was sent to an observation home in Berhampur.
Following the allegations, a team led by Malkangiri Child Protection Officer, Narayan Dash visited the home of the minors and discussed with their parents to gather more information about the incident.
Speaking about the inquiry, Dash said, "We will submit the report to the Collector after collecting information on the case and appropriate action will be taken against the policemen if found guilty."
Meanwhile, the allegations against the cops have invited criticisms from all quarters. It was alleged that the police brutally tortured the minor boys because the house they burgled belongs to a cop.
(Edited By Ramakanta Biswas)