Sambalpur, Jan. 14: The inspector-in-charge and two constables of Hirakud police station were suspended today for allegedly torturing a 16-year-old boy on September 19 last year.

A home guard attached to the police station has been dismissed from service as well.

In his report to the district superintendent of police Akhilesvar Singh, Burla sub-divisional police officer Abakash Routray has confirmed the assault on the boy by a group of cops at the police station. While director-general of police K.V. Singh suspended the inspector in charge Sabitri Bal, the police superintendent suspended two constables - Jeet Narayan Podh and Ambuja Sahu - and dismissed home guard Siba Gouda.

Initially, the police superintendent had shifted Bal from the police station to the headquarters. Later, the director-general suspended her.

The police superintendent said the action had been taken against the policemen after receiving a report from the Burla sub-divisional police officer. After a television channel had aired the video footage of the 16-year-old being brutally tortured by a group of policemen, there was a hue and cry with social activists demanding stern action against the cops.

Singh had asked Routray to probe into allegations levelled against the cops by the victim's mother.

The footage showed the police personnel beating up the minor, whose hands and legs were tied. The boy had allegedly stolen a mobile phone on September 19.

Instead of sending him to the Juvenile Justice Board, the cops had tortured him at the police station and allegedly asked his mother to cough up Rs 8,000. The boy's mother - a daily wage earner - claimed that she had paid Rs 6,000 to secure him from the police custody.

The incident had taken place on September 19 last year. The boy had been involved in a dispute with a person on that day.

He had also allegedly snatched the mobile phone from him. The police were also informed about the incident and they brought him to the police station and tortured him, the report said.

A meeting of the Child Welfare Committee was held today. Childline has also been directed to produce the victim before the committee.

"The statement of the minor will be recorded. If required, we will also move to the Human Rights Commission or lodge a criminal case," said member of the committee Surya Panigrahi.