The policeman accused in the minor girl gang-rape case in Bhubaneswar is also under the purview of investigation, said Twin City Commissioner of Police (CP) Sudhanshu Sarangi on Thursday.
He told reporters that a proper investigation of the incident is underway and action would be taken once the truth and evidence come out. However, he refused to divulge further details saying that it is too early to comment on the matter. “Any kind of statement now will hamper the investigation process. We will inform the court and concerned authorities about the findings of the probe when the time comes,” Sarangi added.
Earlier on September 21, OTV managing director Jagi Mangat Panda had reappeared before the Odisha State Commission for Women responding to the notice served by the panel in connection with the incident. However, she could not stay for the hearing and left citing a prior engagement. Commission Chairperson Minati Behera has said a fresh notice has been issued to Panda for her appearance through the DCP.Notably, as per a complaint lodged by the rape victim’s mother with Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (OSCPCR), her daughter was raped by several employees of the TV channel and a policeman for around 15 days during April and May. The accused committed the crime after tying the hands and legs of the girl. They also recorded videos of the incident and threatened the victim to leak it.
It may be mentioned that the girl’s mother was then working as a receptionist at the OTV.
The woman has further alleged that the accused had threatened her daughter to kill her and her mother if she disclosed their names.
The woman has mentioned in her complaint that though she reported the matter to the OTV MD, the latter did not take any action against the accused and suppressed the incident. The MD also pressurised her not to proceed further in the case, she has further alleged.