State tribunal quashes Pipili inspector's dismissal

The State Administrative Tribunal in its order said that Pipili Police Station Inspector-in-Charge Amulya Kumar Champatiray should have been given a chance to place his point of view before being dismissed.

Champatiray, the then inspector of Pipili Police Station, had allegedly refused to register the complaint of the rape victim's family. When the matter came to light, he was suspended on January 13, 2012 before being dismissed from service on January 24, 2012.

"The DG and IG of Police perhaps acted under pressure and as a result the applicant has been denied a fair and reasonable opportunity of defending himself which is essence of natural justice," the SAT order said while quashing the DGP's order of dismissal.

The rape which took place on November 29, 2011 sparked a statewide outcry.

The police were forced to register a case in January, 2012 after the Odisha Human Rights Commission and Orissa High Court intervened in the matter.

The order also said the department might take action against Champatiray by following due procedure laid down for dismissal of a government employee.

Reacting to the verdict, Champatiray said "It is the victory of truth."