Tribal Officer Driven to Brink: How Can This Happen Under a Tribal CM?
Mental Harassment, Caste Discrimination Push Odisha SDPO to Threaten Suicide; Exposes Shocking Rot in Police System
Bhubaneswar: In a deeply disturbing incident that has sparked outrage and raised uncomfortable questions for the current government, a senior tribal police officer in Odisha has alleged relentless caste-based harassment, mental torture, and public humiliation by his superiors — forcing him to pen what he calls a “suicidal note.”
Braja Mohan Pradhan, Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of Jaleswar, in a detailed letter to the Inspector General of Police (Eastern Range) on May 7, named Baleswar Superintendent of Police and other top district officials in a damning account of institutional abuse and caste discrimination.
This explosive letter, which the officer described as his “final statement,” has exposed the systemic rot within the Odisha police hierarchy. Ironically, this happens under a government led by a Chief Minister from the tribal community himself — making the silence from the state leadership all the more deafening.
“How can a tribal officer be pushed to such a state of despair in a state ruled by a tribal CM?” is the question echoing across civil society and political circles.
According to Pradhan, he was publicly insulted by the SP during an official meeting in the presence of MLAs and senior officials. Despite following the law in several sensitive matters, he claimed he was falsely targeted and defamed through official channels. He further revealed how his name was dragged into a false corruption narrative through the Mines Department and how district officials weaponized transfers and public defamation as tools of intimidation.
More damningly, Pradhan accused the system of using dual postings and physical threats to break his morale. After resisting pressure, he was removed from Jaleswar and posted to Basta, only to be recalled again within 60 km of his previous location — a move he said was designed to harass him further.
“I belong to the Adivasi community. I am very sentimental by nature. If I end my life, this letter should be treated as my final statement,” the letter reads — a haunting reflection of the psychological toll taken on an officer meant to serve the public.
Reacting to the incident, opposition parties have slammed the government, with BJD spokesperson Lenin Mohanty calling the situation “extremely disturbing, particularly under a tribal Chief Minister who also holds the Home portfolio.”
As outrage grows, senior police officials have reportedly begun an internal probe. DIG (Eastern Range) Dr. Satyajit Naik has already visited Jaleswar, but critics argue a high-level inquiry is the bare minimum in a case that shakes the very foundation of social justice and police accountability in Odisha.
