Court orders summons against negligent cops (Mid-Day)

Court orders summons against negligent cops

MiD DAY had reported in March about the callous attitude of police officers, who had registered a case 11 days after incident

November 19, 2013

PUNE

Kaumudi Gurjar

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Following a complaint filed by child rights activist and director of Sakhee, Anjali Pawar, against police officers with regard to the rape of a minor girl in February this year, a special court ordered that summons be served to inspector Suhas Garud and assistant inspector Sanjay Ahiwale, under Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, and section 166A of CrPC.

The court issued the decree following deputy superintendent of police MP Karade’s report in September, which stated that PI Suhas Garud and investigating officer API Sanjay Ahiwale failed to perform their duty, and showed negligence in registering the complaint.

The report also observed that the officers’ lackadaisical attitude helped the criminals flee.MiD DAY had reported on March 5 (‘Police register offence 11 days after minor was allegedly raped’) how Lonikalbhor police station officials were reluctant to register the complaint of a girl, who was allegedly raped by an unknown person on her way home.

The teenager, who was deeply traumatised after the incident, mustered the courage and approached Lonikalbhor cops, only to be asked by a constable to come with her parents.

Moreover, API Ahiwale even made her sign a statement that unidentified boys only passed obscene remarks, and did not rape her, as per media reports. Following this, Anjali Pawar, who had filed her complaint the police officers.

Did you know?

The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 defines a child as any person below the age of 18 years and provides protection to all children under the age of 18 years from the offences of sexual assault, sexual harassment and pornography. The Act provides for stringent punishments, which have been graded as per the gravity of the offence. The punishments range from simple to rigorous imprisonment of varying periods.

There is also provision for fine, which is to be decided by the court.