Rairangpur Lady Lecturer Death: Odisha DGP Takes Action After Lapses In Probe

Bhubaneswar: Even as people across the country are irate over the brutal gang rape and murder of a young veterinary doctor in Telangana, a lady lecturer, who was allegedly raped by her relative, committed suicide on Sunday over police inaction in Rairangpur of Mayurbhanj district in Odisha.

Following allegations of lapses, the inspector-in-charge of Jharpokharia Police Station, Sarat Mahali has been suspended, informed interim DGP Satyajit Mohanty today. Earlier yesterday, the investigating officer (ASI) in the case was suspended.

“It is a sensitive matter. We have found prima facie negligence by the investigating officer and IIC of Jharpokharia Police station where the victim had lodged a complaint. Already both of them have been placed under suspension and necessary departmental action is being taken against them,” said Mohanty.

Mohanty further stated that directions are being issued to SPs to ensure that review of such type of cases is conducted on a weekly basis. Such review will help the senior officials ascertain the progress of the investigation and appropriate action can be taken against errant officials if there are any lapses.

Earlier on Saturday, body of the woman lecturer of Rairangpur College was found hanging from a ceiling fan in her room in the women’s hostel of the college. On October 30, the deceased lecturer had brought rape allegations against a youth from Keonjhar district, who happens to be her relative, and lodged an FIR at Jharpokharia Police Station.

According to reports, the victim had gone to her sister-in-law's house on October 26 when she was allegedly raped by the latter's brother. Despite police complaint, no step was allegedly taken to nab the accused, who was also threatening the victim to upload obscene photographs on social media.