Odisha Lady Home Guard Alleges Intimidation and Bribery by Police Officer

Image credits: Express News Service, (Express Illustration)

The case of a lady home guard in Odisha who accused a police officer of cheating and intimidation has sparked widespread concern about the safety and rights of women in law enforcement. The home guard, who was allegedly exploited by the former inspector in charge (IIC) of the Kujang police station, Tapan Nahak, claimed that she was being threatened with dire consequences if she did not withdraw the case. She also alleged that several unidentified individuals visited her village and intimidated her family members, and that a senior police officer assigned a constable to pressure her into withdrawing the case, warning her that she would lose her job if she didn’t do so.

The lady home guard claimed that following Nahak’s arrest, a person asked her to meet her at the local stadium where she was offered Rs 25 lakh to withdraw the case, which she declined. She also alleged that she was pressured to drop the case and warned against speaking to the media. The situation escalated when she was allegedly offered a bribe to remain silent, with a constable summoning her to the Jagatsinghpur stadium and offering her Rs 25-27 lakh to settle the matter. The home guard also alleged that she mentioned specific names in her complaint but claimed no action had been taken against them, and that two unidentified men visited her house and threatened her parents, urging them to persuade her to drop the case or face dire consequences.

Jagatsinghpur SP Bhabani Shankar Udgata dismissed the allegations of senior officers being involved in suppressing the case, clarifying that the home guard had not made such statements under Section 164 CrPC before the magistrate. He stated that no police officer attempted to suppress the matter as the accused has already been arrested and forwarded to court, and that the home guard’s phone has been seized and an investigation is on to verify her claims. The investigation is ongoing, and the case has sparked calls for a thorough probe into the allegations. The safety and rights of women in law enforcement are a major concern, and this case highlights the need for greater protection and support for female personnel.

The case has also raised questions about the effectiveness of the law enforcement system in protecting its own personnel, particularly women. The fact that the home guard was allegedly exploited by a senior police officer and then pressured to withdraw her complaint raises serious concerns about the culture of impunity within the police force. The case has sparked widespread outrage and calls for action to be taken against those responsible. The home guard’s bravery in speaking out against the alleged abuse and intimidation is commendable, and it is essential that her allegations are thoroughly investigated and those responsible are held accountable.

Here are the key points in the case: * The lady home guard accused the former IIC of the Kujang police station, Tapan Nahak, of cheating and intimidation * She claimed that she was being threatened with dire consequences if she did not withdraw the case * She alleged that several unidentified individuals visited her village and intimidated her family members * A senior police officer assigned a constable to pressure her into withdrawing the case * The home guard was offered Rs 25 lakh to withdraw the case, which she declined * The case has sparked widespread concern about the safety and rights of women in law enforcement * The investigation is ongoing, and the case has sparked calls for a thorough probe into the allegations