Odisha DSP Faces Sexual Harassment Charges, Removed from Post
A Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP)-rank officer in Nayagarh district, Odisha, has been formally booked on serious allegations of sexual harassment leveled by a woman complainant. The swift action led to his immediate removal from the position of Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of Khandapada on Tuesday, as confirmed by senior police officials.
Complaint Details and Allegations
The case stems from a complaint filed on April 13 by a 31-year-old woman residing in Nayagarh district. In her detailed account, she alleged that SDPO Madan Mohan Pradhan demanded sexual favors after she approached him to inquire about the status of a separate case she had initiated in July 2025 against a neighboring couple.
Background of the Initial Case: "On July 3, 2025, I lodged a formal complaint against the couple for physically assaulting my minor son during a past dispute. My son sustained serious injuries, and a case was duly registered against them," the woman stated.
During the investigation of that case, one of the accused was reportedly slapped by a police officer, prompting the couple to approach SDPO Pradhan. "The SDPO contacted me and insisted I work out a compromise with the accused. I agreed, and a final report was subsequently submitted to the local court," she explained.
Escalation to Harassment and Threats
Following this interaction, the officer allegedly began making inappropriate advances. "He started calling me repeatedly and speaking in a vulgar manner. He persistently insisted I meet him at a hotel, sent explicit messages, and threatened to falsely implicate both me and my husband in fabricated cases if I did not comply with his demands," the complainant claimed.
She further asserted that she possesses voice recordings of these conversations, which she submitted as evidence. "I have documented proof of his misconduct through these recordings," she added.
Internal Inquiry and Legal Action
After receiving the complaint, Nayagarh Superintendent of Police (in-charge) Vivekananda Sharma conducted an internal inquiry. The investigation reportedly uncovered substantial evidence against SDPO Pradhan, who in his official explanation denied all charges, dismissing them as baseless.
Despite his denial, a formal case was registered against Pradhan on Monday under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The charges include Section 296 (obscene acts or songs), Section 75(2) (sexual harassment), Section 78(2) (stalking), and Section 351(4) (criminal intimidation).
Immediate Transfer and Pending Suspension
In response to the gravity of the allegations and the registration of the case, swift administrative action was taken. Satyabrata Bhoi, the in-charge Inspector General of Police (central range), informed The Times of India, "In view of the sensitive allegations and registration of a case against the Khandapada SDPO, he has been withdrawn from the post and transferred to the district police headquarters with immediate effect. Sudipta Kumar Sahoo, DSP headquarters, has been appointed as the new SDPO of Khandapada."
Sources indicate that Pradhan now faces imminent suspension as the legal and departmental proceedings advance. The transfer is seen as a preliminary step to ensure a fair and unbiased investigation into the serious misconduct allegations.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns about accountability and conduct within law enforcement, particularly regarding the treatment of complainants. The case continues to develop as authorities pursue both criminal and disciplinary actions against the accused officer.
