Cuttack, May 26: Odisha witnessed heightened tensions as two separate incidents of alleged police misconduct sparked widespread protests in Cuttack and Dhenkanal districts.

In Barang area, villagers from Chandi Prasad staged a fresh protest outside Barang police station, accusing officers of subjecting local youth Rakesh Behera to third-degree torture.

According to family members, Rakesh was detained without charge for four days, beaten severely, and is now undergoing treatment at SCB Medical College after his condition worsened.

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The controversy began after Rakesh reported his wife missing on May 16. Days later, a woman’s body was recovered from the Kathajodi riverbank. Police suspected it was Rakesh’s wife and summoned him and his family for identification.

Despite their denial, police allegedly refused to accept their statement and detained Rakesh. Villagers claim he was tortured in custody, and now demand suspension and legal action against the officers involved.

The situation has led to repeated confrontations between locals, family members, and police officials, with negotiations failing to ease tensions.

The Bhapur Case

In Dhenkanal district, residents of Bania Sahi under Bhapur Gram Panchayat staged a protest outside the District Collector’s office, alleging wrongful arrest in a high-profile rape and attempted murder case.

On April 26, a woman was reportedly assaulted, but villagers claim police arrested an innocent youth, Sukuta Naik, instead of the real culprit.

Protesters allege that Sukuta was previously questioned and released twice, but on May 24, police arrested him without informing his family and produced him in court. They accuse police of acting under external pressure and fabricating evidence.

The demonstrators submitted a memorandum to the District Collector demanding Sukuta’s immediate release, legal action against the officers responsible, arrest of the actual accused, and punishment for those who gave false testimony.

Both incidents have fuelled anger over alleged misuse of police power and custodial violence. Villagers warn that if authorities fail to act swiftly, protests will intensify.