Bhubaneswar, August 7: The Odisha Police on Thursday transferred an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) from Pattamundai (Rural) Police Station in Kendrapara district, following allegations that he failed to register an FIR months before a 19-year-old college student died by self-immolation.
The student reportedly took the extreme step on Wednesday at her residence after being allegedly blackmailed by her former boyfriend, who threatened to upload her intimate photos on social media. Her father claimed that he had approached the police six months ago seeking help, but the officer on duty, ASI Sailendra Mohan Palei, had refused to complain. According to him, had the FIR been registered, his daughter might still be alive.
Responding to the allegations, Kendrapara Superintendent of Police Siddharth Kataria said ASI Palei had been shifted to the district police headquarters to ensure an impartial and transparent investigation.
“I am personally monitoring the case. Preliminary findings suggest suicide. The girl’s body has been sent to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack for post-mortem. The procedure will be videographed and conducted in the presence of a magistrate,” SP Kataria said.
The victim’s father alleged that when he approached the police earlier, ASI Palei merely advised him to block the accused’s phone number rather than taking legal action.
ASI Palei, however, denied any wrongdoing. “I never received such a complaint. The girl’s father did not come to the police station, and I never advised anyone to block a number,” he said.
Despite the family's claim, the police have taken suo motu cognizance of the incident and registered an unnatural death case at Pattamundai (Rural) Police Station.
“We are awaiting the family’s formal complaint, which may be filed after the cremation,” a police official said.
The tragic case marks the third such incident involving alleged blackmail of young women in Odisha within a month, raising concerns over cyber harassment and the responsiveness of law enforcement agencies.
