Bhubaneswar: Police in Odisha’s Balasore allegedly chained a journalist’s leg to a hospital bed on Thursday hours after he hospitalised following his arrest in an assault case.
Loknath Dalei, 50, the journalist, accused Draupadi Das, the local police inspector, of harbouring a grudge against him over the publication of news regarding the failure in curbing brown sugar smuggling. He added the case was registered against him after a home guard’s two-wheeler hit his motorcycle on Monday. He added he snatched the guard’s helmet and asked for damages before returning it.
Dalei, a reporter with Odia daily Sambad and TV channel Kanak News, said on Wednesday afternoon Das and another policeman snatched his mobile after telling him that the guard has registered a case against him. “I was then arrested. Within moments, I passed out and was sent to the hospital. This [Thursday] morning, I found myself on the floor of the hospital with my left leg chained. It was removed at 11.30 am.”
Dalei, who said he will file a complaint with National Human Rights Commission, also alleged he was assaulted at the local police station.
Balasore’s police superintendent Sudhansu Sekhar Mishra said he has directed a probe and sought a report. A havildar was suspended and action was expected to be taken against Das.
“This is unfortunate and illegal. The matter has been taken very seriously.... If need be, action will be taken against [Das]... on basis of the probe,” said inspector general Narasingha Bhol.
{{/usCountry}}“This is unfortunate and illegal. The matter has been taken very seriously.... If need be, action will be taken against [Das]... on basis of the probe,” said inspector general Narasingha Bhol.
{{/usCountry}}Journalist across the state wore black badges and sat on dharnas demanding strict action against the police. The Editor’s Guild of India urged the Centre to take immediate cognisance of police excesses against journalists and civil society members, and issue stern directions to all levels of law enforcement agencies to respect democratic values and freedom of press. “At the same time strict action needs to be taken against those who misuse state power,” it said in a statement.
In Balasore, journalists took out a protest rally condemning the incident and demanded immediate suspension of Das.
Sukanta Nayak, the local legislator, accused Das of high-handedness. “I have apprised the higher-ups about her arrogance. The chief minister should take action.”
Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who is from Odisha, said such attacks on journalists need to be condemned. “Action should be taken.”