National Human Rights Commission: The National Human Rights Commission has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report that in Rampur, Uttar Pradesh, a police officer, posted at Ganj Police Station and who was an Investigating Officer in a case of sexual assault, asked the victim to first have sex with him before he took action against her tormentors. The victim had approached him for help as her tormentors were roaming around freely and she feared for her life. The officer, allegedly, closed her case, when she turned down his advances.
The Commission has issued notices to the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police, Government of Uttar Pradesh calling for reports in the matter within four weeks.
The Commission has observed that the contents of the media report, carried on 22nd June, 2017, are indeed shocking and if true, speak volumes about the ills plaguing the law enforcement machinery and scant regard for people’s right to justice. This is a glaring instance of protector turning the predator. Reportedly, the 37 year old woman had been raped by two men early this year. The police had registered a case in the matter only after the intervention of the court on her petition.