Cop suspended for assaulting elderly woman, daughter-in-law

Puri:  Inspector-in-charge of Nimapara police station was suspended today for physically assaulting a 75-year-old woman and her daughter-in-law inside the police station recently.

The DGP who suspended the police official, in a press release, said "Pending drawal of disciplinary proceeding, Sri Mrutyunjay Swain, IIC Nimapara P.S of Puri district is placed under suspension with immediate effect for his gross misconduct in assaulting 75-year-old woman Basanti Palata and her daughter-in-law on the premises of the Police Station, which is unbecoming of a Police Officer."

"During the period of suspension, he will remain under the disciplinary action of IG (Central Range), Cuttack," it added.

Meanwhile, the Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) has asked the IG (Central Range) to furnish a report within two weeks on the case. The OHRC's acting chairperson Juctice B K Mishra gave this direction while taking cognizance of the allegations made by one Prasanna Dash, advocate and president, Sachetan Nagarik Manch of Tiadi Sahi, Puri.

In his petition, Dash has alleged that Mrutyunjay Swain, inspector-in-charge of Nimapara police station had subjected a 75-year-old woman namely Basanti Palata of Dhirapur Dalei Sahi on May 7 to brutal assault when the victim had gone to the police station along with her son.

According to sources, the Swain, had called Basanti and her daughter-in-law to the police station to settle an issue between them. However, he later resorted to violence.

A video clip of the cop beating the old woman went viral on social media, leading to public outrage.