BARIPADA, Odisha -- Four Home Guard sentries including a woman constable were ordered to kneel down by an inspector in front of the police superintendent's office in Mayurbhanj district for not wearing proper uniform while on duty.
The incident took place on June 25, but the matter came to light only on Wednesday after the visuals of the incident went viral on the social media.
Home Guards Reserve Inspector Ashok Kumar Sethi allegedly ordered the four guards to kneel down in open in front of the office.
The four were not wearing uniform while on Rath Jatra duty at Baripada town on June 25.
As the department provides uniform to all the Home Guards sentries, it is mandatory for them to remain in the uniform and follow the dress code while on duty, Sethi said.
"The home guards were ordered to kneel down for two minutes as part of the discipline," Sethi said claiming there was nothing wrong in his order.
Director General (Home Guards) B K Behera yesterday sought a report of the incident from the Mayurbhanj superintendent of police.
"I have sought a report from Mayurbhanj SP and of Home Guard commandant on the matter. We will take action after receiving the report," Behera told reporters.
Meanwhile, Odisha Home Guard Association has threatened to launch an agitation if the "erring" reserve inspector is not punished.
"We demand his (Sethi) suspension as his order clearly violated human rights of the home guards," said association president Upendra Mohapatra.
Also on HuffPost India:
