How the Indian Army’s 1959 Honour Code Shames Odisha Police’s 2024 Failure in Defending Women

Odisha , India — In a harrowing ordeal that has sparked nationwide outrage, chilling details have emerged regarding alleged sexual assault and torture of an Army officer’s fiancée at Bharatpur Police Station in Bhubaneswar. incident, which unfolded in early hours of September 15, occurred when couple h sought refuge at police station after being chased by unidentified miscreants. Inste of receiving protection, y were allegedly brutalized by police officers.  

night began innocuously as Army officer and his fiancée were returning home in Bhubaneswar on September 14. ir peaceful evening was interrupted when y were pursued by a group of unidentified goons, forcing m to seek help at nearest police station.  

What followed in early hours of September 15 was a horrific turn of events. couple, having arrived at Bharatpur Police Station, was allegedly subjected to brutality. According to woman’s account, she was stripped, assaulted, and physically tortured by police. In her harrowing testimony, she recounted being tied with her own scarf and jacket, dragged through police station’s corridors by her hair, and molested by a police inspector who allegedly flashed her. When she attempted to defend herself by biting one of officers, she was arrested on trumped-up charges.  

Meanwhile, Army officer was thrown into a lockup, helpless as his fiancée endured horrifying ordeal. woman suffered multiple injuries, including a dislocated jaw, and was left traumatized.  

Odisha Police Personnel’s Suspension Not Enough  

brutality came to light on September 16 when Indian Army was informed of incident. Immediately, Army raised an alarm with Odisha government, prompting action. In response to mounting outrage, Odisha government transferred case to Crime Investigation Department (CID) and ordered a high-level investigation. By September 18, five police officers, including Inspector-in-Charge of Bharatpur Police Station, were suspended.

Odisha High Court also granted bail to woman, recognizing gravity of situation. Upon her release on September 19, woman spoke to media, describing her horrifying experience. case has since sparked a public outcry, with demands for justice and accountability.  

Odisha Police’s immediate suspension of five officers reflects an acknowledgement of severity of case. While police department has promised a thorough investigation, public's trust in law enforcement has been deeply shaken by this incident.  

1959 Amritsar Incident: Army’s Bold Stand to Defend Honour of Women  

Indian Army is known for its strict code of conduct and unwavering respect for women’s safety, a principle reinforced by historical precedents. A famous incident from 1959, involving Army officers stationed in Amritsar, serves as a reminder of Army’s stance on defending honour of women.  

It was a routine evening in Amritsar when several Indian Army officers and ir wives went to local railway station to bid farewell to a fellow officer. camarerie was interrupted by a group of local goons who were loitering in station area. Emboldened by alcohol and a sense of impunity, group of miscreants began to make vulgar remarks and lewd gestures towards wives of Army officers.  

Initially, Army officers attempted to ignore provocations, not wanting to escalate situation. However, when goons began to approach women with intent to molest m physically, officers decided to take action.  

Army Troops Mobilized, Cinema Hall Surrounded  

As Army officers confronted hooligans, goons, realizing y h angered trained soldiers, fled scene. y sought refuge inside a nearby cinema hall, thinking that public venue would deter Army from following through on confrontation. cinema hall was bustling with civilians, and miscreants believed y were safe from retribution.

matter was swiftly reported to Commanding Officer of local unit, Colonel Jyoti Mohan Sen. Upon hearing how Army wives h been harassed and insulted, Col. Sen was determined to take immediate and firm action. He was well aware of political risks involved, as local goons included son of Pratap Singh Kairon, n Chief Minister of Punjab and a close associate of Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru.  

Undeterred by potential political ramifications, Col. Sen gave a firm order: cinema hall where goons h sought refuge was to be surrounded by troops from his unit.  

In an unprecedented move, soldiers of Indian Army were deployed to cinema hall. entire area was cordoned off, and a contingent of soldiers entered premises to flush out goons. goons were swiftly identified, rounded up, and dragged out of cinema hall, ir perceived safe haven now surrounded by disciplined military personnel.  

How Indian Army Humiliated Goon Publicly 

What followed was a bold act of defiance. goons, including Chief Minister’s son, were stripped down to ir underwear and pared in streets of Amritsar. This act was symbolic—stripping m of power and arrogance y wielded through political connections. soldiers pared m through streets not only to shame m but also to send a clear message that Indian Army would not tolerate any dishonour towards women, especially wives of its officers.  

goons were n taken into custody and interned in Army cantonment, where y were held overnight. ir arrogance and connections proved futile against steely resolve of Army to ensure that justice was served.  

Fallout: Chief Minister Kairon’s Fury  

next morning, Chief Minister Pratap Singh Kairon learned about humiliation his son h suffered at hands of Army. Enraged, Kairon attempted to use his political power to intervene. He demanded immediate release of his son and or goons, hoping to leverage his position to override military’s actions.  

However, when Chief Minister’s official vehicle attempted to enter Army cantonment, it was stopped at gates. As per military protocol, no vehicle, not even one belonging to Chief Minister, was allowed to enter cantonment without permission. Kairon was forced to walk inside cantonment, furr ding to indignity he felt.  

When Kairon finally met Col. Jyoti Mohan Sen, he demanded release of his son. Col. Sen, however, was resolute. He released goons only after giving m a stern warning, making it clear that no amount of political power would protect those who disrespect women. Chief Minister’s son and his companions left cantonment, ir pride shattered by unwavering discipline and moral authority of Indian Army.  

Nehru's Reaction: A National Controversy  

Chief Minister Kairon, still furious over treatment of his son, escalated matter to his close ally, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Kairon expected Nehru to reprimand Army and take action against Col. Sen and his unit. Prime Minister Nehru, perplexed by situation, turned to Army Chief, General Kodandera Subayya Thimmayya, for an explanation.

What followed was an iconic moment in Indian military history. General Thimmayya, known for his uncompromising principles, gave Nehru a straightforward response:  

"If we cannot defend honour of our women, how can you expect us to defend honour of our country?"  

This single statement silenced Prime Minister. Nehru, recognizing gravity of situation and moral stance taken by Army, chose not to take any furr action. matter was effectively dropped, and no punitive measures were taken against Col. Sen or his men. General Thimmayya’s words became legendary within Indian Army, embodying ethos of defending dignity of women at all costs.