Suspended cop blames SHO for no FIR

Panchkula: While the Haryana Police are facing criticism for not entertaining a gang rape victim’s complaint, the suspended woman cop has blamed the SHO of the Women police station, Sector 5, Panchkula, for directing her to send the victim and her husband to the Mani Majra police station, instead of lodging an FIR.

A grab of WhatsApp chat between ASI Saraswati and the SHO, Women police station.

Rajinder S Nagarkoti

Tribune News Service

Panchkula, July 21

While the Haryana Police are facing criticism for not entertaining a gang rape victim’s complaint, the suspended woman cop has blamed the SHO of the Women police station, Sector 5, Panchkula, for directing her to send the victim and her husband to the Mani Majra police station, instead of lodging an FIR.

The suspended cop, ASI Saraswati, whom the victim had approached, had sent a photo of the victim’s complaint to Rajesh Kumari, SHO, Women police station, on WhatsApp for further directions, but the latter forwarded her the Mani Majra SHO’s number. The ASI had messaged the SHO that no PCR vehicle was available and that control room too had denied providing one.

While ASI Saraswati is not talking to media on the issue, sources said she had brought the issue into the knowledge of senior police officials of Panchkula district.

Despite repeated attempts, SHO Rajesh Kumari could not be contacted.

Panchkula DCP Rajender Kumar Meena said the issue was brought into his notice and they were investigating the matter. “We will take suitable action against police official found negligent in performing his or her duties,” he said.

P’kula police ‘advice’ in hospital records

As per records of General Hospital, Sector 6, Panchkula, the police had told the victim and her husband to approach the Mani Majra police station. The hospital register mentions the name of ASI Saraswati. The records reveal that the victim had dialled 1091 for help, but the person who received the call told her to approach the Panchkula police. But the Panchkula police sent complainant to Mani Majra.

SHO on probe panel

Raj Kumari, SHO, Women police station, is a part of the special investigation team (SIT) formed by the Haryana Police to crack the Morni gang rape case. On Raj Kumari’s inclusion in the SIT, Panchkula DCP Rajender Kumar Meena said an IPS officer was heading the SIT and the investigation would be fair.

Another suspension

A day after suspending three cops, DCP Rajender Kumar Meena suspended Ramgarh police post incharge Jagdish. The accused, Sunny, had picked the victim from the Ramgarh area.