Bhubaneswar, 7 August (H.S.) The Odisha Police transferred an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) on Thursday to ensure a transparent investigation into allegations made by the father of a self-immolation victim. The father claimed that the officer had previously refused to register an FIR regarding threats made by his daughter's ex-boyfriend, who allegedly threatened to upload her intimate photos on social media.

A 19-year-old college student died by self-immolation at her residence in Kendrapara district on Wednesday. Her father alleged that the police's inaction on his complaint six months ago contributed to his daughter's tragic decision.

Kendrapara Superintendent of Police Siddharth Kataria confirmed that ASI Sailendra Mohan Palei was transferred from the Pattamundai (Rural) police station to the police district headquarters to ensure impartiality in the inquiry.

SP Kataria stated he was personally overseeing the investigation into the student's death. According to preliminary findings, this appears to be a suicide case. The body has been sent to SCB Medical College Hospital in Cuttack for a thorough inquest. The entire process will be videographed, and the post-mortem examination will be conducted in the presence of a magistrate as required by law, he said.

The victim's father reported that he had approached the Pattamundai (Rural) police station nearly six months ago to file a complaint about the ex-boyfriend’s threats, but ASI Palei allegedly advised him to simply block the accused's number.

ASI Palei denied this allegation.

SP Kataria emphasized that the police were taking the father's claims seriously and that a complete investigation would be conducted.

In the meantime, police have registered an unnatural death case suo motu at the Pattamundai (Rural) police station, as the family has not yet filed a formal complaint.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda