Child rights panel chief questions delay in FIR against Phillaur ex-SHO

The Chairman, Punjab State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, (PSCPCR), Kanwardeep Singh, today questioned the delay in the registration of an FIR against former SHO, Phillaur, Bhushan Kumar, who had recently been booked under the POCSO Act after a victim's complaint.

The Chairman said responsibility will be fixed for the delay and also questioned prioritisation of action in POCSO cases by the police. He also said it was clear the SHO was being 'sheltered'.

While the SHO had been suspended after the allegations against him, the PSCPCR Chairman said the case regarding his dismissal had been sent to the DIG.

Former Phillaur SHO Bhusham Kumar was booked in three cases registered on October 14, 23 and 24 on the charges of sexual harassment and sections of the POCSO Act. He had sexually harassed a woman and her daughter when they approached him for justice.

Addressing the mediapersons, Chairman, PSCPCR, Kanwardeep Singh, said, "We came to the SSP's office today to reveiw the case registered against the SHO Bhushan Kumar last month. We looked into the charges against the SHO, the FIR and reviewed the case, whether the culprit is arrested or not. We are investigating further and any shortfalls observed, will be addressed. We have questioned officials about the cause for delay in the FIR. We will fix responsibility for the delay."

Questioned on why the SHO wasn't arrested, he said, "The cognizance of the issue has already been taken and the department has written to the DIG to dismiss the SHO. Only the DIG has the power to dismiss him. Action is being taken. If we are not satisified, further measures will be taken."

Questioned whether the SHO was being sheltered by senior officers, the Chairman said, "There's no doubt he's being sheltered. We cant deny this."

The Chairman conducted a comprehensive review of cases registered under the POCSO Act with officials of Jalandhar Rural Police at the SSP Office, Jalandhar. Accompanied by SSP Harvinder Singh Virk, Joint Director, Women and Child Development Department, Rajwinder Singh Gill, Deputy Director Gulbahar Singh, District Programme Officer Manjinder Singh, DCPO Ajay Bharti, and Legal Probation Officer Sandeep Kumar, the Chairman examined the progress of ongoing POCSO cases in detail.

He directed police officials to ensure swift and transparent action in all instances of reported child rights violations.