Odisha administrative staff protest police misbehaviour in Puri

Puri: As the row over alleged misbehavior of police towards administrative officials on duty during Suna Besha and Adhara Pana rituals of the Lords intensified, Puri Collector Arvind Agarwal today summoned concerned police officials who were on duty at that time for questioning to ascertain facts about the incidents.

Footage of CCTVs installed on the Grand Road during the Rath Yatra will be examined tomorrow, official sources said.

“Statements of officials including police officials who were present there will be recorded and an inquiry will be conducted,” said Puri Collector Arvind Agarwal.

“Appropriate steps will be taken against those found guilty after the detailed inquiry,” he added.

Allegedly, policemen on duty had misbehaved with the Puri Sub Collector who was on Rath Yatra duty. Besides, Tehsildars of Begunia, Nayagarh, and Padmapur, who were on magisterial duty, were also allegedly misbehaved by the police.

“We told them that we are on magisterial duty. How can you prevent us from doing our duty? When they didn’t allow us we told them that we are going back and shall report the matter to our higher authorities,” said Sukadeb Behera, Tehsildar Padmapur.

However, the concerned police officer after his appearance before the Collector has told that no misbehaviour was shown to the officials rather they were detained for some time for verification.

“I contacted Gyana Sir and came to know that the two were on magistrate duty. By that time they had left the place. They have asked for CCTV footage. They have asked the ASI who was on duty alongside me to appear as a witness,” said the concerned police official to reporters after appearing before the Collector.

The OAS Service Association has also taken the matter seriously.

“OAS Service Association has also taken this matter very seriously. We have decided to apprise the government on this matter,” said Uddhav Majhi, Vice President, OAS Service Association.

Administrative officials on Rath Yatra duty today wore black bands as a mark of protest against the incidents.