The Odisha police today dismissed a home-guard and put three cops including a woman police inspector of Hirakud police station in Sambalpur under suspension for allegedly torturing a boy in custody, videos of which had recently emerged.
While Director General of Police (DGP) K B Singh placed Hirakud Police Station's Inspector in-charge Sabitri Bal under suspension for the ill-treatment meted out to the minor boy, Sambalpur district Superintendent of Police (SP) Akhilesvar Singh dismissed the home-guard from service and suspended two other constables.
The police action follows the airing of a footage of the alleged torture by a local news channel.
"The SDPO has probed the matter and submitted a report, based on which two constables - Jeet Podh and Ambuj Sahu - have been suspended and home-guard Siva Gouda removed from service," Sambalpur SP Akhilesvar Singh said.
Singh had also directed the woman police officer to report to the district police office and a departmental inquiry was initiated against her.
The boy had allegedly snatched a mobile phone from a person on September 17 last for which the police had brought him to the police station for inquiry.
The boy's mother alleged that police thrashed him brutally in their custody and demanded Rs 8,000 for his release.
She claimed she gave Rs 6,000 and brought her son back from the police station on September 19.
Director of Child line Sambalpur Pradeep Behera said, "It is a heinous incident. I am yet to know the details. However, I am going to the Hirakud police station to inquire into the matter.
"I have also informed the Child Welfare Committee and the District Child Protection Officer about the incident. A fact finding team will be formed to inquire into the matter," he said.
Meanwhile, the Odisha State Human Rights Commission has sought a report from the SP and the DIG of the region on the matter.
