Balasore: Bhadrak SP Manoj Kumar Rout on Thursday said a show-cause notice was issued and a probe launched into the role of a special police officer (SPO) attached to Bhadrak Highway Police following allegations of misconduct, extortion and delay in providing medical assistance to a road accident victim on National Highway-16 near Maitapur in Bhadrak district.The incident occurred on the night of June 6 and came to light after a video allegedly showing police misbehaviour at the accident site went viral on social media.According to reports, SPO Sanatan Rout, along with two police personnel and a driver, was on NH patrol duty near Maitapur when they allegedly stopped a chicken-laden truck and demanded money from the driver. The truck reportedly sped away from the spot, following which the police gave chase. During the pursuit, the truck suddenly applied brakes, causing a car travelling behind it to crash into the vehicle.In the accident, Santosh Mallick of Patharpentha village under Bahanaga block of Balasore district sustained serious injuries. He was returning home after receiving news of his mother’s death. The car owner, Satyaban Rana of the same village, who had gone to Bhubaneswar Airport to bring Mallick back, suffered minor injuries.A video that later went viral shows Rana pleading with police to arrange for immediate medical assistance for the critically injured Mallick. The footage captures an officer hurling abuses at the victims instead of facilitating medical aid.Rana alleged that instead of helping, the police refused to cooperate, threatened him, demanded money and delayed calling an ambulance. Rana further said the injured man remained on the highway for nearly 40 minutes before being shifted to Bhadrak Medical College and Hospital. He was later transferred to a private hospital in Bhubaneswar, where he continues to undergo treatment.Family members condemned the “inhuman behaviour” of the police personnel. They alleged that the victim was denied timely medical attention due to extortion and intimidation by those present at the scene.SP Rout said a preliminary inquiry was conducted and additional SP Arup Abhishek Behera has been entrusted with carrying out a detailed investigation. “The circumstances leading to the accident, the conduct of police personnel at the spot and the allegations raised in the viral video will be thoroughly examined,” the SP said.He added that the role of all officials present at the scene, including PCR van staff, constables and home guards, would be scrutinised. Strict action would be taken if any misconduct is established.
The car which met with an accident on NH-16
