Bhubaneswar: The District Human Rights Protection Cell on Sunday began a probe into allegations that two sisters were assaulted by staff members at Nayapalli police station. The sisters had named the inspector-in-charge Sangram Pattnaik among the perpetrators.

Pattnaik, along with two woman sub-inspectors, were removed from the station on Saturday.

Sources said the additional deputy commissioner of police in charge of the cell interacted with officers at the police station concerned. "Our future course of action will be decided after a report is submitted," said police commissioner Y.B. Khurania. Police sources said the cell's report was likely to be submitted on Monday.

The victims, both in their 20s, had alleged that Nayapalli police station officers assaulted them in connection with a case of land dispute. The victims had also shared pictures of their injuries on Facebook that later became viral.

"The way the police station staff members assaulted my daughters was unacceptable. However, they were only removed from the police station when they should have immediately been placed under suspension," said the victims' father.

Rights activists also demanded action against the officers involved in the alleged assault. "This is a barbaric act and if the allegations levelled by the women are true, then there must be exemplary action against the erring officers. How could the police assault two women?," said activist Mamata Samantray.

The incident at Nayapalli emerged a day after the inspector in charge of Nimapara police station in Puri was suspended for allegedly assaulting a 75-year-old woman on May 7.

In the wake of these two alleged assault, the police now plan to start a training programme to improve the behaviour and attitude of their personnel. The curriculum of the training programme will include yoga, meditation and indoor classes for officers to bring a change in their behaviour towards the public. The indoor classes will include a topics such as understanding the human rights of others and the concept of right to live with dignity. The police personnel will also be shown presentations to keep their calmness and composure intact during adverse situations.