Bhubaneswar, Oct 28: To ensure accountability and transparency, the Police Commissioner of Bhubaneswar-Cuttack has directed all the police station reception desk in-charge to wear body cameras. This initiative was taken under consideration after an Army Major and his female friend were allegedly harassed by the police in the Bharatpur police station.

The Commissioner of Police, Bhubaneswar-Cuttack, Suresh Dev Datta Singh has directed all the police station reception desk in charge to wear body cameras. This would monitor the behaviour of the police with the visitors and will bring accountability. Police personnel have been sensitised to be polite, and sympathetic and to act according to the law while dealing with the general public. This initiative will enable the police to record the behaviour of visitors which is not appropriate.

While speaking to ANI, Bhubaneswar DCP Pinak Mishra said that the body camera would monitor the conversation between the police personnel, the receptionist and the complainant. It would help the senior officials to identify issues related to the conversation and communication between the police personnel who receive the complainant at the police station.

"Commissioner of Police, Cuttack and Bhubaneswar has directed all the police stations to use the body-worn camera, mainly the receptionist and the diary charge officer. They are being provided with a body camera so that we can monitor the conversation that takes place between the police personnel, the receptionist and the complainant. It helps us to identify issues related to conversation and communication between the police personnel who receive the complainant at the police station. This will help in improved police behaviour towards the public."

The incident reportedly took place on September 15 when an Army Major and his female friend went to the Bharatpur Police Station to file a complaint against some miscreants, who had harassed them while returning from a hotel late at night. Instead of addressing their concerns, the police allegedly tortured the Major and the woman, even sending her to jail without any justification.

The Odisha government reiterated its 'zero tolerance' policy on violence against women and initiated an inquiry into the matter.

The Chief Minister's Office issued a statement saying that necessary steps and departmental actions have been taken regarding the issue.

"The government has taken the allegations of misbehaviour and assault against an army officer and a woman accompanying him in Bharatpur police station very seriously. As soon as the incident came to the notice of the government, necessary steps were taken as per law along with departmental action," said the statement by the Chief Minister's office.

The state government suspended five police officials, including the Inspector Charge (IIC) of Bharatpur police station, in connection with the incident and ordered a Crime Branch probe in this regard. (ANI)

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