Kendrapada SP starts probe into custodial torture allegations

Kendrapada: Kendrapada SP on Wednesday started a probe into the alleged custodial torture of a mother–son duo by police officers of Talachua marine police station in Kendrapada district, two days ago. “I visited the police station to investigate the matter on Wednesday. The sub-divisional police officer, Pattamundai, Sukant Kumar Patra, has been directed to look into the allegations of Annapurna Mandal (55) and her son Ananta Kumar Mandal (31) of Giripahi village and submit a report within 48 hours. Based on the findings, action will be initiated against the accused,” said SP (Kendrapada) Siddharth Kataria.Both the mother–son duo alleged that the IIC of Talachua marine police station, Sandhyarani Jena and another police officer used third-degree torture on them inside Talchua Marine police station on Monday. Manoranjan Mandal, Annapurna’s husband on Sunday lodged a complaint at the police station against his wife and son over a family dispute. On Monday, police called Annapurna and her son Ananta to the police station for questioning.They alleged that police officials disrobed Annapurna and confined both of them to a toilet in the police station for four hours. Both suffered multiple injuries on their bodies as both were severely beaten up in custody. Both were admitted to the Rajnagar CHC. Medical examination reportedly revealed injury marks on Annapurna’s hands and on Ananta’s neck, hands, legs and back. Annapurna also alleged that police seized Ananta’s mobile phone and forced both of them to sign blank papers. Contacted, IIC of Talachua police station, Sandhyarani Jena denied all the allegations. SDPO , Pattamundai, Sukanta Kumar Patra said, “We are investigating the allegations of Annapurna and her son. Proper action will be taken against the officials after the inquiry .”