More FIRs against Phillaur SHO

Days after his suspension and an FIR over allegations of sexual harassment against him by the mother of a rape victim, (former) SHO, Phillaur, Bhushan Kumar, has now been booked under the POCSO Act.

At least two fresh FIRs in connection with sexual harassment have been registered against the SHO in the past two days --- October 23 and 24. One of these (including charges under the PSOCO Act), is based on the original complaint of the mother and the second, on the complaint of another 22-year-old victim, who came to the fore after the first case came to light.

In an FIR registered against him at the Phillaur police station on October 23, Bhushan Kumar has been booked under sections 10, 12 and 18 of the POCSO (Prevention of Children from Sexual Offences Act (Amended)), as well as section 62 (2) of the BNS. This FIR against the SHO has also been registered on the complaint of the minor girl's mother. The same woman was also the key complainant in the previous FIR registered against the SHO on October 14, under sections 75 (1) (sexual harassment) of the BNS, 67(D) of the Police Act and 67 of the IT Act, at the Phillaur police station.

In the wake of complaints, the SHO had also been transferred and suspended.

Meanwhile, a third FIR has been registered against the SHO at the Phillaur police station on Friday (October 24) at 7.35 pm, wherein a 22-year-old victim claimed that he sexually harassed her and made obscene conversation with her on the pretext of a case. The FIR has been registered under sections 75 (2) of the BNS and section 67 of the IT Act.

The action came days after various audio/video of alleged conversation of the SHO with the victim's mother had gone viral and a relentless people-led campaign against the SHO began by Phillaur-based people's groups. The Punjab State Women's Commission also took cognisance of the issue resulting in a subsequent inquiry into the matter.

Speaking to The Tribune, DSP, Phillaur, Sarwan Singh Bal said, "Disciplinary action has already been taken against the SHO and the fresh FIR has been registered under the POCSO Act. A report in the matter, submitted by the SIT constituted on the issue, has also been sent to the SSP. Another complaint against the SHO, based on allegations from another woman, is also under investigation."

Use of obscene, abusive language

In the FIR registered under the POCSO Act, the mother of the rape victim alleged that the SHO repeatedly called her daughter and her to the police station, asked them to see him alone, and made obscene comments and gestures. As per the FIR, the girl's mother alleged that after her daughter's rape by alleged accused Roshan Lal on the night of August 23, 2025; she, her husband and daughter, visited the Phillaur police station on August 24 to register a complaint with the police where they met SHO Bhushan Kumar. He, after hearing them, sent the mother and father out of the room. She alleged that he then called them back and told them that no rape took place with their daughter. She alleged that on October 4 instant, she and former sarpanch Raj Kumar Hans took their daughter to the police station again, where the SHO allegedly used abusive and very offensive and threatening language. She alleged that she went to the police again on October 5, then the SHO took her daughter to a separate room and questioned her without the presence of a female police officer. Then he sent her out and called her (the mother) in, alone, closed the door and indulged in obscene behaviour with her. The mother also alleged that the SHO touched both her and her daughter inappropriately. — TNS