The Orissa High Court has directed that the investigation into an alleged assault on a Muslim man — who was reportedly stripped, beaten and forced to chant “Jai Shri Ram” — be supervised by a police officer of at least Deputy Superintendent rank.
The Court took note of the seriousness of the allegations and the fact that the incident was captured on video and widely circulated on social media. Observing that the probe was already underway, the Court nonetheless found it necessary to ensure closer oversight given the nature of the accusations.
According to the order, supervision by a senior officer was considered appropriate, particularly since the recording of the incident and its viral spread were not in dispute.
The episode is said to have occurred in early January. A group of men allegedly assaulted the victim, removed his clothes, tied his legs with rope and dragged him naked through a street while forcing him to chant religious slogans. A video of the incident was reportedly forwarded to the local police station, following which a First Information Report was registered on January 3. The footage circulated widely the next day.
The victim’s father later approached the High Court, seeking transfer of the investigation to either the Crime Branch or a Special Investigation Team. The petition stated that the FIR invoked multiple provisions relating to wrongful restraint, obscene acts, causing hurt, assault, criminal intimidation and common intention under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. It also argued that additional provisions dealing with organised crime, deliberate acts to outrage religious sentiments, and group-inflicted grievous hurt should be included.
Police authorities informed the Court that the injuries suffered by the victim were classified as simple. They also stated that two individuals had been arrested while efforts were ongoing to apprehend others. The investigation, they said, was continuing.
Taking these submissions into account, the Court ordered that a senior police officer monitor the probe to ensure proper progress.
