Jajpur,28/06: Another instance of police brutality at the Kaliapani station has sparked intense reactions in Sukinda. Station officer Shiba Charan Behera reportedly dragged Biju Janata Dal youth worker Siddharth Behera from his home and brutally beat him at the station gate.
Marks of assault were visible on various parts of Siddharth’s body. The news has caused a strong reaction in the Sukinda area. There are also allegations of false charges against Siddharth. After being seriously injured by the police, Siddharth was taken to Sukinda Group Health Center for treatment.
Upon hearing the news, former minister Pritiranjan Ghadai visited the center. When speaking with Siddharth, he tearfully recounted the police’s brutal assault and showed his injuries. Seeing this, Ghadai questioned the police on who gave them the authority to beat people. The police remained silent and did not respond. Hundreds of BJD leaders and workers gathered at the medical facility, where tensions were high.
According to reports, while Siddharth was having a meal at home, police arrived at 11 am, knocked on the door, and forcibly entered. The Kaliapani station officer pushed Siddharth’s mother aside and dragged Siddharth, who was eating, out of the house. When family members questioned the police about the arrest, the officer threatened them and forcibly took Siddharth to the station, locking the gate from the outside.
District council member Jema Chakhi, who went to inquire at the station, was also reportedly not allowed inside. Former Minister Ghadai discussed the matter with the district SP and the additional SP of Kalinganagar, but no action has been taken.
Following the incident, Ghadai and local representatives met with the Jajpur SP, demanding immediate action. Ghadai stated that neither he nor the general public in Sukinda feels safe, alleging a conspiracy to harm him with explosives. He mentioned that under the BJD government, the police and public representatives worked together to bring the Maoists into the mainstream, but if police repression continues, the police will be responsible for any resurgence of Maoism.
Ghadai warned that if no action is taken, a larger movement will be called. Siddharth’s mother is seeking justice from the SP and demanding strict action against the Kaliapani IIC.