HC orders IG-level probe on kangaroo court in Nayagarh

Cuttack: The Orissa high court on Wednesday ordered a high-level police probe by an inspector general (IG) on a petition seeking intervention against conducting an alleged kangaroo court at Deuli village in Nayagarh district.The petitioner said villagers had ganged up after he contacted the local police and lodged an FIR against the culprits involved in circulating his daughter’s nude photograph. A kangaroo court was conducted and he was slapped a fine of Rs 50,000, the petitioner said, adding that he has been ostracised.“This is not acceptable in a civilised society where rule of law prevails,” the single judge bench of Justice S K Panigrahi said, adding, “In such view of the matter, the IG of police, Central Division, Odisha, is directed to have a personal visit to the village and enquire as to what sort of action has been taken against the culprits and ensure that the petitioner’s family is living peacefully in the village without any disturbance.”“Let the IG of police, Central Division, file a detailed report in terms of the above order by February 8, the date fixed for next hearing on the matter”, Justice Panigrahi said, while taking on record the pen drive and videos produced by the petitioner to show that there has been unrest in the village.The petition was filed on November 28, 2023. On December 22, “considering the gravity of the situation” the HC had directed the superintendent of police, Nayagarh to make a personal visit to the village and submit a detailed report regarding the said incident and on the action police has taken. On Wednesday, the HC was told by the state counsel that after the incident an FIR was lodged against the people involved in the incident. Expressing dissatisfaction over it, Justice Panigrahi said: “Police have not taken any serious step to settle the issue. It seems that the police has been quite complacent.”