The Andhra Pradesh High Court on Friday strongly condemned the police for allegedly attempting to dilute a sexual assault case involving a Dalit minor girl. The court questioned the conduct of law enforcement officers in pressuring the survivor's family to withdraw the complaint.
Background of the Case
The case originates from a complaint filed by a minor girl from Bhimavaram town, accusing a man and his son of sexual assault and caste-based abuse. A case was registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and other relevant legal provisions. Alleging that senior police officers were coercing the family to drop the charges, the girl's mother approached the High Court seeking a fair and impartial investigation.
Court's Response
Taking serious note of the allegations, the High Court summoned Bhimavaram DSP Raghuveer Vishnu to appear before the bench. During the hearing on Friday, the DSP claimed that the complaint was filed for political reasons. Justice Y Lakshman Rao took strong exception to this submission, asking on what basis such a conclusion was drawn. The judge emphasized that it is for the competent court to determine whether there were political or other motives behind a complaint, and not for the investigating officer to speculate.
Justice Rao instructed the DSP to read out the complaint, noting that the investigation should focus on the allegations and statements recorded under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) rather than attributing motives to the complainant. Observing that the 13-year-old survivor had provided detailed allegations in her complaint, supported by material for investigation, the court questioned the delay in arresting the accused, given that the complaint was lodged in February.
Unsatisfactory Explanation
The court found the DSP's explanation unsatisfactory and noted that it appeared to favor the accused. Consequently, Justice Rao summoned the West Godavari district Superintendent of Police (SP) to appear before the court in person, along with all case records. The matter has been adjourned for further hearing on May 1.
