‘Rape victim’ alleges threats from suspect’s kin

Tribune News Service
Amritsar, October 19

An employee of the civic body, who has accused Municipal Town Planner Narinder Sharma of sexually exploiting her by promising marriage, on Friday alleged threats from the accused’s family and friends.

Accompanied by her advocate Ravi Mahajan, the complainant said, “I cover about 35 km daily to reach my office from home and if anything happens to me or my family, Narinder Sharma will be responsible for it. He is yet to be arrested by the police.”

She said Sharma had been sexually exploiting her for the past two years. “The accused used to send indecent voice and text messages on WhatsApp. I blocked his number. When I opposed, he threatened me to issue a chargesheet, besides getting me expelled from the job,” she added.

The victim said he visited her house once and told her father that he wanted to marry her. She accused the Municipal Town Planner of raping her on the pretext of marriage.

The victim said she was not aware that Sharma had a daughter of her age. She said after that, she filed a complaint with the SC Commission.

On June 28, a local councillor raised her issue following which the MC constituted a sexual harassment committee.

After committee’s report, a case under Sections 354-D, 376-C and 506 of the IPC was registered against the accused on October 14.

A medical examination of the girl was also conducted and her statement was recorded in the court.

Mahajan said Sharma was an influential person who had good political links and the police were giving him time to manage the things.

“We demand his immediate arrest and he should be suspended by the Municipal Corporation as an FIR has been registered against him,” he added.

Lakhbir Singh, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police said the matter was under investigation and raids were on to arrest the accused, who was on the run.

Councillor had taken up the issue

On June 28, a local councillor raised her issue following which the MC constituted a sexual harassment committee. After committee's report, a case under Sections 354-D, 376-C and 506 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) was registered against the accused on October 14.