Odisha IPS Officer’s ‘Break Legs’ Remark Sparks Political Row

A major controversy has erupted in Odisha after a purported video surfaced showing Bhubaneswar Additional Police Commissioner Narasingha Bhol allegedly instructing police personnel to “break the legs” of Congress protesters and promising them “rewards” for doing so.

The video, which has now gone viral on social media, reportedly captures the IPS officer making the inflammatory remark during a protest held by Congress workers in Bhubaneswar. In the footage, Bhol can allegedly be heard saying, “Break their legs and take reward from me.”

While the authenticity of the video has not been independently verified by PTI, the clip has triggered strong reactions from political circles, especially from the opposition Congress party. The party has condemned the officer’s statement, calling it “unconstitutional,” “authoritarian,” and a “threat to democracy.”

“The language used by a senior police officer is not only unbecoming of his position but also reflects the state’s attitude towards democratic dissent,” said a senior Congress leader at a press conference. He demanded immediate disciplinary action against the officer and called for an independent inquiry into the incident.

In response, senior police officials have so far remained tight-lipped about the incident. No official statement has been issued by the Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Police Commissionerate or the Odisha government at the time of reporting.

Legal experts and civil rights activists have also voiced concern over the video, stating that such directives—if authentic—violate the fundamental rights of citizens and set a dangerous precedent for law enforcement conduct.

The incident comes amid rising political tensions in the state, with frequent demonstrations being held by opposition parties against the policies of the newly formed government.

Calls are now growing for the National Human Rights Commission and the Odisha Human Rights Commission to take suo motu cognizance of the matter and initiate a probe.

As the controversy escalates, all eyes are on the state government for a clear response and potential action against the officer in question.