Residents allege police inaction in rape case

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana December 16

Members of the Communist Party of India (CPI) and residents of Panj Peer Road, Haibowal Khurd, staged a dharna outside the PAU police station on Sunday alleging police inaction in the rape case. They demanded suspension of the SHO at PAU police station.

They alleged that an FIR (No. 191) was registered under Sections 376, 365, 384, 120B and 506 of the IPC nearly two months ago, but the police have not arrested the main accused so far. Addressing the gathering, various speakers alleged that the police were intentionally not taking action against the accused and the SHO of police station was shielding the culprits.

They said despite several representations to senior officials, nothing has happened so far, adding that in our last representation to the Police Commissioner on November 28, he assured of action within seven days, but the ACP and SHO concerned have not done anything and were manipulating the matter intentionally.

“The victim is getting further harassed by the role of the police and is under serious mental stress, which could have grave implications. Such behaviour proves that the SHO is in connivance with the accused and hence has not taken any step to arrest the main accused,” the speakers said.

CPI secretary DP Maur said: “The CPI is deeply anguished at the constantly deteriorating law and order situation in the city. It is further agonising that the police were totally apathetic to the situation and despite repeated reminders, does not move an inch.”

Arun Mitra, MS Bhatia, Gurnam Singh Sidhu and others addressed the gathering. The police, however, assured the arrest of culprits within a week.