Bhubaneswar, May 28 (IANS) A woman police officer in Kendrapara district of Odisha has been suspended after allegedly assaulting a married woman and her son at a police station, including wiping sindoor from the victim’s forehead, an act considered deeply violating in Hindu tradition.

As per the complaint filed by the victim with Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), Pattamundai, on Tuesday, Annapurna Mandal of Giriyapahi village had visited the Talchhua Maritime Police Station on Monday evening around 6 p.m. along with her son to file a domestic dispute complaint.

She alleged that instead of registering the complaint, IIC Sandhyarani Jena allegedly flew into a rage, abused the duo with foul language, grabbed the woman by the hair, beat her, partially disrobed her, and wiped the sindoor from her forehead.

Her son was not spared either. He was allegedly dragged into the station toilet, stripped, and beaten by both the IIC and a constable — kicked, slapped, and struck with a stick on multiple body parts. The officer allegedly also choked him by the throat and threatened to kill both mother and son if they spoke to anyone. Blank papers bearing their signatures were reportedly taken before they were released in a battered state around 11:40 p.m.

Annapurna sought medical treatment at Rajnagar Community Health Centre the following morning before approaching SDPO Sukanta Patra with a formal complaint. Kendrapara SP visited the station on Wednesday and reviewed CCTV footage.

Acting on the findings, the Director General of Police (DGP), Odisha, Y.B. Khurania, on Wednesday placed Talachua IIC Jena under suspension for her ‘gross misconduct and dereliction of duty’.

“Whereas, a disciplinary proceeding is contemplated against Inspector Sandhyarani Jena, IIC, Talchua Marine PS of Kendrapara district, for her gross misconduct and dereliction of duty. And whereas it is considered expedient in the interest of public service. I, therefore, in exercise of power conferred vide Rule 840 of PMR-1940, place Inspector Sandhyarani Jena, IIC, Talchua Marine PS of Kendrapara district under suspension with immediate effect,” reads the order.

She will remain under the disciplinary authority of the Central Range IG during the pendency of proceedings. Issued suspension order vide letter number 1937, dated 27/05/2026, IIC Sandhyarani Jena stands suspended and will remain under the disciplinary authority of the Central Range IG during the pendency of proceedings.

On the other hand, the suspended IIC Jena has denied all allegations, stating the charges were false and pointing to CCTV cameras as proof. The footage, however, appears to have prompted the suspension.

–IANS

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