Bhubaneswar, Oct. 3: Lokpal Justice P.K. Patra has initiated probe into alleged police excesses during the Congress rally on September 6.

Official sources said: “Lokpal has taken up the investigation and a case has been registered on September 27. We will issue notices to the concerned parties and start proceedings shortly.” The police had registered eight cases and their probe would be pursued independent of the Lokpal inquiry.

Governor M.C. Bhandare had asked for the probe following a memorandum submitted by a Congress delegation.

Under the Odisha Lokpal and Lokayukta Act, the governor enjoys the authority to direct the state government to get an inquiry conducted by the Lokpal. The Congress leaders had alleged that the police had “assaulted their workers like beasts and even passed obscene remarks against them”. Around 400 people, including 60 police personnel, were hurt when Congress workers fought a pitched battle with the cops.

According to the procedures, notices will be issued to the concerned parties to file written statements. Examination of witnesses and hearing process will follow. Then the Lokpal will submit his report to the governor.

“The government, after taking necessary action, is supposed to place the report in the Assembly,” said a senior official. The governor ordered the Lokpal probe on September 26. It, however, may lead to yet another confrontation between the BJD and the Lokpal.

Earlier, Lokpal Justice P.K. Patra had submitted a report to the government on the controversial land acquisition for the proposed Vedanta University to be set up by the Anil Agarwal Foundation near Puri.