New Delhi: A significant clash has erupted between retired Army Chief General VK Singh and former CBI Director M. Nageswara Rao over the alleged torture and sexual assault of an Army officer’s fiancée at a police station in Odisha. The incident, which occurred on the night of September 15 in Bhubaneswar, has ignited widespread outrage.
General VK Singh took to social media to condemn the treatment of the woman, describing it as “shameful and horrendous.” He criticized the Odisha Police’s handling of the situation and called for immediate action against the officers involved. “Everyone must listen to the daughter of a retired Army officer. What happened to her at Bharatpur police station in Odisha is disgraceful. The Odisha Chief Minister must act swiftly against those in uniform shielding criminals,” he stated.
According to the victim, she was allegedly assaulted inside the Bharatpur police station after she and her fiancé attempted to report a road rage incident. Reports indicate that the Army officer was illegally detained by the police.
In response, former CBI Director M. Nageswara Rao, an Odisha-cadre IPS officer, presented a different perspective. He disputed General Singh’s allegations, claiming that the couple had been drinking and behaving inappropriately. “An Army officer and his fiancée consumed alcohol and drove through the city late at night. They were involved in a confrontation with engineering students and created a scene at Bharatpur police station. When asked to undergo a medical examination and blood test, they refused, which is standard procedure in such cases,” he asserted.
Mr. Rao defended the Odisha Police, emphasizing that with over 600 police stations, there was no reason for misconduct toward visitors, including Army personnel. He urged General Singh to reconsider his stance, asserting that it is inappropriate for a former Chief of Army Staff and Central Minister to jump to conclusions regarding the alleged actions of an Army officer and his fiancée.
“It is improper to judge the police based on the behavior of one individual,” he said, adding that he urges the Army to take appropriate action against the officer for conduct unbecoming of a soldier.
Amid these allegations, videos surfaced on social media showing the couple in a physical altercation with a group of individuals. While some Army veterans have rallied in support of the officer and his fiancée, retired police officials, including Mr. Rao, have defended the Odisha Police’s actions and questioned the couple’s behavior.
Several retired Army officers have voiced their concerns on social media, urging the Defence Ministry to intervene in the matter.
