Even though the BJD Government often claims of running a clean and efficient administration, the functioning of the Dhauli police station on the outskirts of the State capital proves otherwise.
Former sarpanch of Dhauli gram panchayat Rabi Maharana in a letter to DGP Rajendra Prasad Sharma stated that the police station has the dubious record of allegedly being one of the most corrupt police stations under the Commissionerate police. This was proved when one of the Inspectors-in-Charge (IIC) of the police station was trapped by the Vigilance while accepting a bribe.
Maharana further alleged the personnel of the police station abuse their power flouting the police code for their personal gains. This has triggered resentment among the locals. Since this police station is located in the city outskirts, the residents are mostly villagers; they are not so well-versed of the law. Taking advantage of this the Dhauli police are harassing them with an ulterior motive.
He further alleged the police are connivance with the local political representatives favour them and shield them in return for gifts in cash and kind. And if anyone complains against them the police officials take sides and threaten the innocent complainants.
He cited the matter of one Sushimita Sahu (18) of Nakhaur village, who has been repeatedly harassed by a hooligan of the village. She had lodged a complaint with the Dhauli PS IIC on September 4, 2017. But though one month has elapsed, the police are yet to register a case, though her family has repeatedly approached the police.
Similarly, a distressed person of Saradeipur Bipin Pradhan( 48), had received Rs 4 lakh for sell of a piece of land. However, the purchaser later threatened him to return Rs 8 lakhs. As he had spent the money for his daughter’s marriage and was not in a position to return it, Bipin approached the Dhauli police. However, the police instead of registering a case played arbitrators and asked Bipin to return Rs 7 lakh. Maharana requested the DGP to conduct a probe into the matter and take stringent action against the errant police officials for reposing the faith of the people on the Odisha police.
