By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR:Considering the gravity of the complaint filed in Nayagarh district regarding the police presenting an innocent person before the media as an accused in a murder case and later leaving him in silence, the Odisha Human Rights Commission has ordered an inquiry into the matter. Similarly, the allegations of misuse of power and authority by Nayagarh Additional SP Jyoti Ranjan Samantray will also be investigated.
Social activist Pratap Chandra Mohanty approached the Odisha Human Rights Commission regarding this incident.
In his petition, he stated that Ajit Sahu was killed on the night of 10.05.2026 at the Kardibandh of Odgaon police station during a stone smuggling operation by the Nayagarh district police. When a press conference was held at the Nayagarh SP’s office on 12.05.2026 regarding the investigation into this murder case, instead of arresting the real accused, an innocent person was presented as the murder accused in front of the media with his face covered.
It was alleged that this had seriously violated the honor, dignity and constitutional rights of the person concerned. The person concerned was released that night to protest against this. The petitioner stated that this was not only an abuse of police power, but also a clear violation of the right to life and dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution of India.
The petition has made serious allegations against Nayagarh Additional SP Jyoti Ranjan. It has been alleged that he is protecting sand and stone mafia and abusing his position and power, and that such activities are creating a threat to the human rights of the common people and the rule of law.
The Odisha Human Rights Commission, after hearing the case, has given due consideration to the allegations. The Commission has prima facie expressed its view that the allegations involve serious issues of human rights violation and require an impartial investigation. In the meantime, the Commission has directed the Central Range, DIG to investigate the entire incident and submit a detailed factual report to the Commission.
Petitioner Pratap Chandra Mohanty said that declaring someone as an accused before they have been found guilty in court, especially presenting an innocent person as an accused, is a serious attack on the rule of law and human rights. He expressed his opinion that there should be an impartial investigation into this incident and tangible action should be taken against the guilty officials.
