Woman attacked by mob after she helps bust illicit liquor racket

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, December 7

A woman was allegedly “beaten and disrobed” by “liquor mafia” in the national Capital today as she, along with a group of women, in Narela dared to complaint against those (belonging to Sansi community) involved in illicit sale of liquor in the area to the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW).

The incident came a day after over 300 bottles of liquor were seized from a house during an inspection by a DCW team led by many local women, including the victim, in two pockets of Narela where they accused the police of acting in “collusion” with the liquor sellers (women of Sansi community). The victim was attacked by a group of women believed to be from the section.

Coming down heavily on the Delhi Police, DCW chief Swati Maliwal Jaihind sought to know from the police what action has been taken over the complaints and details of status reports regarding the cases registered on illegal liquor and drugs sale in the area.

On its part, the police have registered a case under various sections of the IPC against the women involved in the incident.

Expressing shock on twitter, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today urged Lt Governor Anil Baijal to intervene and take action against the officials who were allegedly colluding with those operating the racket.

The DCW chief has alleged that the woman had helped the commission to bust an illicit liquor racket in Narela last night after which she was today attacked by a mob of over 25 people and was assaulted with iron rods.

“Her clothes were torn and she was paraded naked in the area and the entire incident was filmed and the video was allegedly shared in the area by these criminals. The entire incident proves complete lawlessness and zero fear of law in the area and it is shocking that police did not take any action to protect these women,” Maliwal said.

In a video, which was shared by Maliwal on her twitter handle, the victim alleged that she was threatened and asked not to raise her voice against liquor mafia.

“I was dragged and disrobed. A police official tried to intervene but he was also assaulted. They also said they would do the same with the DCW chief and other women who will oppose their actions,” the victim said.

The DCW chairperson has summoned the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Rohini District, to appear before the women's panel and submit an action taken report along with details of the FIR registered in the incident of attack on the woman.

Rajneesh Gupta, DCP (Rohini) said the woman was beaten and her clothes were “torn a bit” but denied the claim she was paraded naked.

The DCW chief also sought details of the FIRs registered over liquor being sold illegally in Narela and surrounding areas over the past five years.

The house from where the liquor was seized was barely a few metres from the police post, Maliwal said, adding that "such illegal business is flourishing on a very large scale in Narela in full public view and knowledge of the local police".It appears that the illegal activity of selling liquor in homes is occurring with active connivance and protection of the police," she said in the summons to the DCP.

She also sought copies of all complaints against police officers in the area regarding their inaction or collusion with people selling liquor in their houses asking the DCP to appear in person before the panel on December 12.