15 Police Officers Suspended in Jharkhand Over Alleged Rape Case
In Jharkhand, 15 police officers have been suspended following allegations of rape involving a woman at a police station.
SaraiKela Kharsawan, Jharkhand, November 1 (Daily Kiran) : In SaraiKela Kharsawan, Jharkhand, a serious incident has led to the suspension of at least 15 police officers. This action follows allegations of rape involving a woman at the Gamharia police station.
Superintendent of Police Manoj Swargiyari announced on Sunday that among those suspended were two sub-inspectors, four assistant sub-inspectors, two head constables, and one constable. This decision comes after a previous suspension of six officers, including the station house officer, over allegations of misconduct involving a minor.
The total of 15 officers have now been suspended due to severe allegations of misconduct and sexual assault against the woman within the police station premises. As of now, three individuals have been arrested in connection with the case.
Those arrested include Neeraj Lakra, a wireless operator, an on-duty officer, and the station clerk. All three are currently in judicial custody.
SP Swargiyari visited the Gamharia police station on Sunday to oversee the investigation. The action against the nine additional officers was taken because senior officials failed to report the incident in a timely manner.
According to police reports, the woman from Dugdha village arrived at the station late Thursday night to file a complaint about a family dispute and harassment by her husband. Due to the late hour, she was advised to stay at the station.
It is alleged that during her stay, wireless operator Neeraj Lakra took the woman into a room within the police station and raped her. Upon learning of the incident, the police administration formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by SDPO Anubhav Bhardwaj to begin an investigation.
The SIT inspected the scene and sealed the relevant room to secure evidence. Following the victim’s written complaint, an FIR was filed, leading to the arrest of the accused wireless operator.
The police have stated that the investigation is ongoing. Should any other officers be found to have played a role or shown negligence during the investigation, appropriate actions will be taken against them as per regulations.
