DGP hints at action against more cops

Tribune News Service
Ludhiana, February 14

Suspension of an Assistant Sub-Inspector of the Dakha police station, Vidya Rattan, for not taking quick action in the case of 21-year-old girl’s gang rape is likely to be followed by action against other senior officials of the Ludhiana rural police as the DGP has hinted that investigation has been marked to an IG-rank officer to find out if there was negligence on the part of other officers too.

The DGP, Dinkar Gupta, addressed a press conference regarding the arrest of six accused in the gang-rape case. When he was asked that if the suspension of an ASI was enough and why no action was taken against other policemen, including the Dakha SHO, the DGP replied that the ASI was immediately suspended as his gross negligence was noticed during the preliminary investigation, but police investigation into was still on. “I have appointed an IG-rank officer to conduct a probe into the role of Ludhiana rural police officials, and if any other policeman of any rank is found guilty, he will also have to face suspension in the case,” said the DGP.

When the girl deposed before the police, she alleged that around 10 persons had raped her and she also mentioned the same number before the National Commission for Women. However, when the DGP was asked why the police probe put the count of accused to six only, including a juvenile, the DGP said yes, the girl’s initial statement mentioned that there were 10 accused but the police probe so far had found that only six accused were involved in the crime.

“Our probe is not closed yet. Ropar IG Neerja, along with DSP Harkanwal Kaur, is still investigating the case, and if the role of any other person comes to the fore, he will also be arrested,” said the DGP.

Keeping a close watch on case: Women’s panel

Ludhiana: The Punjab State Women Commission has been keeping a close watch on the gang-rape case, said its Chairperson, Manisha Gulati, while speaking to media persons here on Thursday. Manisha said she met Chief Minister Amarinder Singh earlier during the day and demanded the severest punishment to the guilty. She also appreciated the Ludhiana (Rural) police for solving the entire case and arresting all accused. She said the commission had taken serious note of this issue and asked the state government to formulate a strict plan so that no such incidents take place in Punjab in future. “We aim at not only providing justice to the victim but also all possible help. The commission stands with the victim in this hour of need,” she said. SSP Ludhiana (Rural) Varinder Singh Brar and Dakha DSP Harkamal Kaur were also present.

Police to strengthen security on outskirts 

Ludhiana: The police have increased patrolling in rural areas, especially in isolated places on the outskirts of Ludhiana city. According to police officials, joint PCR teams of Ludhiana Commissionerate and Jagraon police would carry out patrolling in the rural areas on the outskirts of the city. The Police Department has been considering setting up a permanent check post on South City-Issewal Road where the incident took place. “We have decided to increase patrolling in rural areas located on border between Jagraon police and Ludhiana Commissionerate areas. We have been in regular touch with the Ludhiana police to chalk out a strategy to prevent such kind of incidents in future,” said Jagraon SSP Varinder Singh Brar. Earlier during the day, DGP Dinkar Gupta said: “We are considering installing CCTV cameras at isolated places to strengthen security. If need arises, more police stations will be opened at places.”