Eight-Month Delay in Justice for Harassed Police Constable
In a shocking case that exposes systemic failures within police administration, a woman constable in Uttar Pradesh's Balrampur district had to wait eight long months before an FIR was registered against three colleagues who allegedly molested her during an official Holi celebration.
The incident, which occurred on March 15, 2025, finally saw legal action only after Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath intervened following media reports about the case in November.
The Disturbing Incident at Police Station
According to the FIR details, the 30-year-old woman constable was participating in a formal Holi program organized inside the police station premises. After playing Holi at the station, she briefly visited another woman constable's house nearby.
Around 11:45 am, she returned to the station to retrieve a key from the women's help desk. At that moment, a head constable and two constables who were allegedly intoxicated chased her and groped her under the pretext of applying Holi colors.
The victim stated in her complaint that the trio laughed and made obscene remarks while molesting her. She managed to escape the situation and reported the incident to the station in-charge during the evening roll call.
Systemic Failure and Victim Persistence
Despite filing a written complaint immediately after the incident, no action was taken at the station level. The constable also revealed a previous incident where one of the accused had allegedly touched her inappropriately but apologized, following which she didn't pursue legal action.
Over the next two days, determined to seek justice, she approached the Additional SP. The matter was then forwarded to the circle officer for inquiry, but the probe stalled for nearly a month without progress.
When departmental silence continued, the victim met Balrampur SP Vikash Kumar, following which a Vishakha Committee was constituted to investigate sexual harassment at the workplace. Despite this committee formation, no case was registered, and the accused continued working at the same station.
The constable wrote in her complaint that male staff members mocked her repeatedly, causing her "deep mental distress, fear and humiliation" throughout the eight-month ordeal.
Chief Minister Intervention Brings Action
The breakthrough came when a media report on November 16 prompted Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to take cognizance of the case and seek an immediate explanation for the delay in action.
Following the CM's intervention, Balrampur SP Vikash Kumar suspended the three accused policemen on grounds of misconduct, indiscipline, and prima facie involvement in molestation.
A detailed internal probe then concluded that the accused personnel were indeed prima facie guilty, paving the way for formal criminal action. On November 26, an FIR was finally registered under sections related to molestation and outraging the modesty of a woman.
Confirming the development, the Station House Officer concerned stated: "A case has been registered against all three accused policemen under BNS 74 (outraging modesty). Further investigation is underway, and appropriate legal action will follow."
The case highlights the challenges women face in seeking justice within law enforcement systems and raises serious questions about accountability mechanisms within police departments.
