Bhubaneswar: In a swift and stern move, Odisha DGP YB Khurania suspended Inspector Sandhyarani Jena, the officer-in-charge of Talchua Marine Police Station in Kendrapara district, after allegations of custodial torture surfaced.

The suspension order, citing gross misconduct and dereliction of duty, places Jena under the disciplinary control of the IG, Central Range, Cuttack, while formal proceedings are contemplated.

The action followed a chilling complaint filed by Annapurna Mandal (55) and her son Ananta Kumar Mandal (31) of Giriapahi village. They alleged that on May 25, after being summoned over a family dispute, Jena abused Annapurna, dragged her by the hair, slapped her, and wiped off her sindoor. Ananta claimed he was beaten inside a toilet, nearly strangled, and forced to sign blank papers. Their mobile phone was also seized.

The duo said they were detained for nearly six hours and threatened not to disclose the ordeal. Kendrapara SP has been directed to serve the suspension order and submit draft charges with supporting evidence.