Dehradun: Social activists and child rights experts on Thursday criticized the circulation of videos of a minor linked to the controversial Champawat case, calling it a violation of the Juvenile Justice (JJ) Act. Authorities maintained that allegations of the 16-year-old girl's gang rape were false.
Child Rights Commission Raises Concerns
Dr. Geeta Khanna, chairperson of the Uttarakhand child rights protection commission, expressed grave concern over the use of minors to settle political scores. She noted that the girl's videos were widely circulating on social media, which is a clear violation of the Juvenile Justice Act. Dr. Khanna also cited recent NCRB data showing a 54.4% rise in crimes against minors, urging society to be more careful about the rights of minors.
Police and Medical Findings Contradict Claims
Earlier in the day, senior police officials and the chief medical officer shared videos and statements disputing the claims made by the girl's family. Champawat Superintendent of Police Rekha Yadav told TOI that on Wednesday morning, they received information about the gang rape of a minor, and three persons were accused. However, during the collection of manual and technical evidence, the findings did not match the girl's statement. The minor girl later admitted that Kamal Rawat was the conspirator and had staged the scene. In her Section 164 statement, the girl stated that no rape had taken place. The chief medical officer also said that the medical team found no signs of force on her body.
The investigation was initiated based on the initial report. However, during questioning, the girl provided contradicting statements about the incident. The medical examination also showed no signs of sexual assault.
Social Activists Protest Handling of Case
Social activists staged a protest at Gandhi Park in Dehradun, condemning the handling of the case. Kamla Pant of Uttarakhand Mahila Manch alleged that the same police force that initially claimed to have recovered the girl from a locked room with her hands and feet tied is now calling the incident fabricated. She accused the authorities of coercing the girl into making statements of their own choosing without initiating any judicial inquiry process, after subjecting her to enticement, intimidation, and threats.
Protesters accused the administration of attempting to suppress the matter and questioned women's safety in the state. They referred to other recent crimes against women, including the Rishikesh resort murder case and a recent killing in Dehradun's Paltan Bazaar, alleging a pattern of delayed justice.
Political Reactions
Senior Congress leader Suryakant Dhasmana said the contradictory versions issued by police had raised serious questions about the incident and its investigation. He noted that the police characterized the incident as a conspiracy orchestrated by the former BJP Mandal president to frame the incumbent Mandal vice president.
(With inputs from Prem Punetha in Champawat)
