In a swift disciplinary action against police inaction, five police personnel, including two inspectors, were placed under suspension for failing to act on a sexual harassment complaint filed by a woman in Devakottai, Sivaganga district.
Details of the Incident
According to police sources, a woman had approached the Devakottai police station on May 18 to lodge a sexual harassment complaint against a local autorickshaw driver. Instead of initiating immediate action, the officials reportedly made the victim run from pillar to post and delayed registering the case.
Disciplinary Action Taken
Following a preliminary inquiry into allegations of procedural delay and negligence of duty, south zone Inspector General of Police Vijayendra S Bidari issued the suspension orders.
The suspended officials have been identified as:
- Inspector Geethalakshmi of the Devakottai All Women Police Station (AWPS)
- Devakottai town inspector Durairaj
- Devakottai AWPS Special Sub-Inspector Rajeshwari
- Devakottai town Special Sub-Inspector Jeya
- Devakottai town constable Santhana Krishnan
Zero-Tolerance Policy
Senior officials reiterated that a zero-tolerance policy will be maintained regarding laxity in handling crimes against women. Further departmental investigations are underway.
Meanwhile, a senior police official confirmed to TOI that based on the complaint from the victim, a sexual harassment case against the autorickshaw driver was registered, and he was arrested.
