Bilaspur: Authorities have launched a disciplinary investigation against a police officer and asked for a new investigation after allegations of a shaken minor rape case stemming from an investigation involving two minor girls. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Rajnesh Singh has instructed Sub-Inspector Sheetla Prasad Tripathi to be posted to police lines during the investigation.
The action is based on complaints from family members of the children that they were placed under pressure in the course of the action. Senior police leaders then considered the situation and ordered an independent investigation in order to have a transparent and fair process.
Reports indicate police authorities are charging a 14-year-old boy in the case. In relation to the minor, the authorities have not been in a position to make them public and have made it known that it is of utmost importance to respect their anonymity and their privacy.
In order to ensure fair review in the matter SSP Rajnesh Singh has handed it over to Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Rashmit Kaur Chawla. She has been asked to review all facets of the case, which includes police probe into allegations, and report back.
The SSP has directed officials to finalise the case in the stipulated time and give updates as and when. Police’s said that if any misconduct or procedural lapses come out of the inquiry suitable actions will be taken.
The development has raised awareness about the need for adherence to due process in juvenile proceedings, and how investigations should be handled, should be sensitive, professional and compliant with the law.