Bhubaneswar: In a landmark ruling related to the Bharatpur police station assault case, the Orissa High Court has ordered that all police stations and outposts in the state must have functional CCTV cameras installed by March 31, 2025.This directive follows a public interest litigation concerning the misconduct towards an army major and his female companion at the Bharatpur Police Station, which sparked widespread public outrage.
The Orissa High Court has also mandated that these CCTV systems be integrated into a central monitoring system by the deadline. This initiative aims to enhance transparency and accountability in policing.
Additionally, the High Court instructed the state government to implement a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) regarding the treatment of military personnel visiting police stations. This SOP, prepared in the Odia language, must be displayed prominently in all police stations and outposts to ensure respectful and appropriate treatment of military personnel. It underscores that any arrest of such officers while on duty must have prior approval from the central government or their respective commanding officer, except in cases involving serious crimes such as murder, rape, or abduction.
The directive follows an incident on September 15, during which a military officer and his female companion alleged mistreatment at the Bharatpur police station in Bhubaneswar. The woman was reportedly subjected to harassment, arrested, and subsequently sent to jail, triggering national outrage. In response, the Odisha government ordered a Crime Branch investigation and established a judicial inquiry committee led by retired Justice Chittaranjan Dash.
Lieutenant General PS Shekhawat also wrote to the Chief Justice of the Odisha High Court, urging action on the matter. The High Court responded promptly by taking suo moto cognizance and seeking explanations from all parties involved.
The court clarified that ongoing investigations by the Crime Branch and the judicial inquiry would remain free from external pressures. Chief Justice Chakradhari Sharan Singh and Justice Savitri Rath, who presided over the case, emphasised the importance of maintaining accountability and transparency in police actions.
Senior police officials, including Additional DGP Dayal Gangwar, submitted affidavits detailing the progress of the CCTV installation. According to Gangwar, 85 per cent of the 645 police stations in the state are already connected to the Central Monitoring System (CMS). The remaining installations, covering 295 outposts, are scheduled for completion by the March 2025 deadline.
The court commended the contributions of senior advocates Gautam Mishra and Advocate General Pitambar Acharya for their assistance in the case. It also recognised the efforts of Additional DGP Gangwar, who played a pivotal role in supervising the CCTV implementation plan.
The Odisha High Court concluded the proceedings by emphasising the need for strict adherence to its directives to enhance police accountability and safeguard public trust. With this ruling, Odisha is taking a significant step towards modernising its law enforcement infrastructure and ensuring the protection of civil liberties.
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