Bhubaneswar, April 8: Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) on Friday sought a report within 15 days on the alleged assault of a journalist by the police who was chained in the hospital bed during treatment, the photographs of which have gone viral in social media.
The Right body directed the Inspector General of Police, Eastern Range to submit a report on the alleged assault of a journalist and put him under fetter in the hospital bed in Balasore within 15 days from the date of receipt of this order.
Taking cognizance of the matter Suo Motu, published in almost all newspapers on Friday, the Commission directed the IG Police to submit the report addressing the facts reported in the news items, more particularly justifying the reason for putting the victim under fetters in the hospital bed.
The Commission also asked the CDMO and the PHO Balasore to submit their report by April 26, the date fixed by the Commission for next hearing.
As per the news Nilagiri Police in Balasore district allegedly assaulted mercilessly Loknath Dalei, working for a vernacular daily and TV Channel, chained him to the bed while he was undergoing treatment at the District headquarters hospital. Dalei, the Commission said, reportedly alleged that Police held a grudge on him for his report exposing corruption issues.
The news item also reported that Dalei’s vehicle collided with the vehicle of a Home-guard of Nilagiri Police station and the matter was settled at the intervention of the local people. Later Dalei came to know that the Home-guard lodged an FIR and he was called to the Police station, where his mobile was snatched away by the IIC.
Subsequently Dalei lost his consciousness and was first shifted to Nilagiri Hospital and then to District headquarters hospital, where he was put under fetters. The photographs showing Dalei chained to the bed have gone viral which speaks volumes regarding issues relating to violation of human rights, the commission said. It said after going through the news items, ”the Commission cannot lose sight of it as the same involves issues relating to gross violation of human rights” of Dalei at the hands of the Police.
The DGP has already suspended the constable who chained the journalist and transferred Nilgiri IIC and the Investigating officer to the district headquarters.
The issue has created a hue and cry in the state with several journalist bodies demanding strong action against the errant police officer.
