Sexual assault, murder of teen: NCW to issue suo moto notice to DGP on action taken report

Calling for a probe into reported lapses by the Punjab Police in the case of alleged sexual assault and murder of a minor in Jalandhar on November 22, the National Commission for Women (NCW) is set to issue a suo motu notice to the state DGP to seek an action taken report (ATR) within three days.

The NCW issued a release on Friday, stating that on receiving instructions from Chairperson Vijaya K Rahatkar, a team from the commission visited the family on Thursday to take direct cognizance of the matter and review the investigative lapses reported by the family.

The NCW criticised state government officials for cancelling the Chairperson’s meeting regarding women safety. “A scheduled meeting with administrative officers of the division had to be called off. No prior information regarding the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct in place for Zila Parishad elections was provided to the Chairperson. Therefore, despite a sincere intent, not much could be taken up regarding not sharing prior information regarding safety of women,” the statement mentioned.

The statement, however, read, "The Chairperson had also taken a review meeting with all senior police officials of the Jalandhar division on Thursday, during which the minor's case was discussed in detail with the officers concerned."

The team in its report pointed to negligence in the prove, “ASI Mangat Ram, who searched the house on the day of the incident, allegedly failed to trace the girl even after remaining inside the premises for approximately 30–40 minutes. It was only when neighbours, alarmed by the absence of any exit footage, carried out their own search that the girl's body was found in the bathroom of the same residence."

The panel pointed out, “This raises serious concerns about the conduct and efficiency of the initial police response. To date, no FIR has been lodged against ASI Mangat Ram (who stands dismissed). Keeping in view the gravity of the crime, the NCW strongly urges the Fast-Track Special Court handling the matter to hold day-to-day hearings to ensure a time-bound, fair, and swift trial". The NCW has specified that it shall continue to monitor the case till its lawful conclusion.

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Remand of accused extended

Having secured remand of accused Harminder Singh Rimpy twice, the Basti Bawa Khel police on Friday got his remand extended by another day. The first remand was for nine days, which was extended by two days. As the second remand ended today, the police sought his custody for another four days. But the court granted remand only for one more day. He shall be presented in the court tomorrow again.