On the incident day, a face-off ensued between the police and the public at Tinimuhani Square, the entry point to the Kendrapara town. People were demanding arrest of the Self-styled God man Sarathi Baba due to various involvements. The police was indulging in excesses in a bid to silence the protesters.
The then Superintendent of police Satish Gajbhiye had reportedly manhandled protesters and ordered the police to beat up innocent people. A former office-bearer of the Kendrapara Bar Association and a noted lawyer of the area, Duryodhan Sahu was asked to do sit-ups in the presence of the police chief. He was also forced to kneel down on road by the police. Later he was arrested by police.
The cops even attacked passers-by, who raised hands above their shoulders as a sign of surrender. They were also kicking on shop doors, alleged Akhand in his petition. The petitioner prayed for action against erring officials including the then SP and compensation to the victims who are humiliated and injured in police action. Taking cognizance in the matter, the NHRC has issued notice to State Police Chief to file report within four weeks.