Bhubaneswar, Jan. 7: Three members of a family today attempted to set themselves on fire in front of the Cuttack-Bhubaneswar police building on Vidyut Marg alleging police torture.
Police officials prevented 33-year-old Sunakar Jena, his father Kapila Jena, 80, and mother Kali Jena, 75, from setting afire their kerosene-soaked clothes.
The family made the move after security guards at the police headquarters did not allow them to meet police commissioner Sunil Roy. Later, they were taken to the Roy, who listened to their grievances and promised an investigation.
Sunakar, a worker working under National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme at his village, which falls in Mancheswar police limits, said his ordeal began soon after his wedding in 2009.
“My wife left home with my brother-in-law within six months of my marriage on May 12, 2009. Later, she lived with her parents. After I failed to convince her to come back, I filed a divorce petition at the family court in Bhubaneswar,” said the man.
He said even after the petition was filed, his wife did not come to court. She lodged a complaint against him with Bhubaneswar Mahila police alleging dowry torture on April 20 last year.
“The Mahila police came to my house and questioned me about the alleged torture. Though I showed them the proof of our marriage and divorce petition, the officials did not listen to me and forcibly took me to the police station. They tortured me at night and produced me before court,” said Sunakar, adding he was sent to judicial custody and kept in Jharapada special jail.
However, he fell ill following the torture and was admitted to Capital Hospital. After seven days there, the jailer said he had been granted bail.
“Later, my son lodged a complaint with Odisha Human Rights Commission against torture. Though the commission registered a case, the officials there told us later that the case had been closed,” said the father. “The commissioner listened to us and said he would take steps against those found guilty,” said Sunakar.
However, the family is not satisfied. “We do not feel safe now. If no action is taken immediately, we will commit suicide,” threatened the mother.
