Pilibhit Court Directs Police to File FIR in Anganwadi Worker Molestation and Robbery Case
In a significant development in Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh, the local police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against four individuals, including three who remain unidentified, following a directive from the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM). The case involves serious allegations of molestation, robbery, and criminal intimidation against a 45-year-old anganwadi worker, highlighting concerns over women's safety and police responsiveness in the region.
Incident Details and Allegations
According to the victim's complaint, the harrowing incident occurred on November 7 of last year while she was en route to her anganwadi centre. The woman reported that the main accused, a man aged approximately 48-50 years, obstructed her path near a city hotel. He allegedly made derogatory remarks and, with the assistance of three other accomplices, subjected her to obscene gestures and unwanted physical contact. When she raised an alarm in distress, the accused purportedly snatched her gold mangal sutra at gunpoint, a sacred symbol of marriage in Indian culture.
As commuters gathered to assist her, the accused and his associates are said to have verbally abused and threatened to kill her before fleeing the scene. The victim's account paints a grim picture of the ordeal, underscoring the vulnerability of women in public spaces.
Legal Action and Police Response
The FIR was officially registered on Sunday evening under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including:
- Section 126(2) for wrongful restraint
- Section 74 for using criminal force against a woman with intent to outrage her modesty
- Section 309(4) for robbery
- Section 132 for using criminal force to deter a public servant from duty
- Section 352 for intentional insult
- Section 351(3) for criminal intimidation
Notably, the victim alleged that despite submitting written complaints to the local police station and the Superintendent of Police (SP), no immediate action was taken. This inaction compelled her to seek judicial intervention, leading to the CJM's order that prompted the FIR registration. This aspect raises questions about police accountability and the challenges faced by victims in accessing justice.
Broader Implications and Community Impact
This case has sparked discussions on the safety of anganwadi workers, who play a crucial role in India's public health and childcare systems, often working in remote or underserved areas. The incident also brings to light the broader issue of gender-based violence and the effectiveness of legal mechanisms in addressing such crimes. As the investigation proceeds, authorities are under pressure to identify and apprehend the accused, ensuring that justice is served and sending a strong message against such heinous acts.
The community in Pilibhit and beyond is closely watching this case, hoping for a swift resolution that reinforces trust in the judicial system and enhances protective measures for women in public service roles.
