Aligarh Police Constable Suspended for Demanding Sex from Rape Survivor
A shocking case of police misconduct has emerged from Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, where a police constable has been suspended and booked for allegedly demanding sexual favors from a 25-year-old rape survivor in exchange for registering her complaint. The incident has sparked outrage and raised serious questions about police accountability and victim protection.
Constable's Alleged Demands Recorded in Phone Conversations
According to police officials, constable Imran Khan, posted at Quarsi police station, allegedly told the survivor that her complaint would be acted upon only if she first met him in a hotel room and "had sex with him." The survivor, displaying remarkable courage, recorded the phone conversations as evidence.
In the recorded conversations, constable Imran Khan allegedly told the woman: "If you send me a sexy photo of yourself right now, I will get you clothes for Eid… come with me to the hotel. We share the same religion… I will send him to jail and get a case registered against him; in return, you will have to sleep with me."
He further threatened her, saying: "Swear on the Quran, if you tell this to anyone, I will die... I will not let any action be taken; on the contrary, I will send you to jail."
Survivor's Complaint and Police Response
The woman had initially approached Quarsi police station weeks ago, alleging that a man raped her on the false promise of marriage. She also submitted a formal complaint through the Chief Minister's Integrated Grievance Redressal System (IGRS) portal, seeking appropriate action against her alleged rapist.
Instead of investigating her complaint, constable Imran Khan allegedly called her, gathered details about her case, and then began pressuring her for sexual favors through text messages and phone calls. The survivor, recognizing the gravity of the situation, recorded these conversations and approached senior police officials with her evidence.
Immediate Action Taken by Senior Officials
Following her complaint, Senior Superintendent of Police Neeraj Kumar Jadaun took swift action. On Wednesday, he ordered the immediate suspension of constable Imran Khan and directed the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against him.
Police confirmed that the accused constable has been booked under relevant Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections, including those pertaining to sexual harassment and criminal intimidation. A thorough investigation into the matter is currently underway.
Official Statements and Investigation Progress
DSP Sarvam Singh provided details about the investigation process: "The woman appeared before the SSP, after which an inquiry was assigned to me. A comprehensive report was submitted, and on the SSP's directions, a case has been registered against the constable. Further investigation is actively progressing to ensure justice is served."
This case highlights the critical importance of proper grievance redressal mechanisms and the need for constant vigilance against misconduct within law enforcement agencies. The survivor's decision to record the conversations and approach senior officials demonstrates the power of evidence in exposing such abuses of authority.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by survivors of sexual violence when seeking justice, particularly when those entrusted with protecting them become perpetrators themselves. The police department's prompt response in suspending the accused constable and registering a case against him represents a step toward accountability, but the investigation must continue to ensure complete justice for the survivor.
