A serious case of alleged sexual assault and exploitation has surfaced in Rajasthan, shaking the police department. A woman police constable serving in the Churu district has filed a formal complaint, accusing multiple policemen, including a former station house officer (SHO), of gang-raping and sexually exploiting her back in 2017.
Details of the Alleged Assault and Exploitation
Based on her detailed complaint submitted to the district Superintendent of Police, an FIR was officially registered this past Wednesday, leading to the initiation of a probe. The constable, who has been under suspension for the last two months over charges of negligence in duty, has made grave allegations. She claims she was raped after being intoxicated inside a police station and later at a hotel in 2017.
The FIR names four policemen, accusing them of threatening, intimidating, and sexually exploiting her over a prolonged period. According to the filed report, the victim endured sustained mental and physical harassment. She finally approached Churu Superintendent of Police, Jai Yadav, around two weeks ago with a written complaint detailing her ordeal.
The Investigation and Medical Examination
Following the SP's directions, a senior officer conducted an internal inquiry into the allegations. The case was registered based on the findings of this preliminary inquiry. The constable's medical examination was also conducted on Wednesday as part of the ongoing investigation.
The complaint outlines a specific incident involving a man named Vicky, who allegedly posed as an employee of the electricity department in Bikaner. The constable stated that she was called by a colleague on a day she was not on duty, under the pretext of being assigned work. When she reached the specified location in the morning, Vicky and another constable took her to a hotel. There, she alleges, she was intoxicated and raped.
Police Response and Next Steps
Attempts to get statements from senior police officers on Thursday were unsuccessful, as phone calls went unanswered. The investigating officer handling the case confirmed that the matter is being probed based on the victim's complaint and the findings of the internal inquiry. The case has brought to light severe allegations of misconduct within the police force, raising critical questions about accountability and the safety of women in uniform.
The registration of the FIR marks a crucial step, but the path to justice remains long. The case underscores the urgent need for robust mechanisms to address such serious complaints within law enforcement agencies and ensure a safe working environment for all personnel.
