IIC registers ‘torture’ case against self, colleague

Bhubaneswar: Krupasindhu Barad, the inspector in-charge (IIC) of Balipatna police station, has been forced to register a case against him and sub-inspector Rakesh Samal in connection with the custodial torture of a Dalit man early this month. The complaint was filed by Lipina Bhoi, who alleged that her husband Saroj sustained injuries on his thigh and legs and had to be hospitalised after he was allegedly beaten up by the two policemen, identified as IIC Krupasindhu Barad and SI Rakesh Samal.
According to the complaint, Saroj had picked a fight with a man during his visit to a fair in Balipatna area on October 3. The two policemen picked him up and brought him to the police station where he was allegedly beaten up. “The two men also hurled abuses at my husband by referring to his caste,” Lipina said. Saroj got bail on October 18 and Lipina lodged a complaint against Barad and Samal on October 23. However, the accused reportedly suppressed the complaint, forcing Lipina to meet DCP Prateek Singh, who directed Barad to register a case. The FIR was registered on Friday.
“We will ensure that a fair inquiry is conducted on the matter,” Singh said, even as Lipina demanded the duo’s immediate transfer.