HC Condemns Police For Mishandling IAS Officer Wife 'Rape' Case

The Calcutta High Court has voiced serious concerns about the Kolkata police's mishandling of an alleged rape case involving the wife of an IAS officer. The court condemned the police for their negligence in addressing serious allegations of sexual assault at gunpoint on September 27.

Allegations On Police: 

The victim of this case reported significant delays in the investigation, weak charges being filed, and a failure to conduct a timely medical examination, as directed by law. In this situation, hearing the case, Justice Rajarshi Bharadwaj has ordered a new investigation, highlighting the need for transparency and fairness in the handling of such sensitive cases.

Kolkata Rape Case:

It is reported that the incident allegedly happened on July 14, 2024, when the accused entered the victim's house around 11.30 pm. Then, he threatened and raped her at the gunpoint. 

The following day, the victim proceeded to file a complaint against the rapist at Lake police station. In this case, it is said that instead of immediately reacting to the situation, the police made her wait for hours to accept the complaint. In addition to that, weak charges are filed against the accused.

Furthermore, the victim claimed that the police refused to collect available CCTV footage showing the accused at her home and that she had to seek her own medical examination, with the official one scheduled a shocking 35 days post-assault.

Calcutta High Court Response:

In response, Justice Rajarshi Bharadwaj criticized the Kolkata police for initially filing the First Information Report (FIR) under less severe charges, undermining the gravity of the sexual assault allegation. The court noted allegations, including tampering with the charge sheet and delay in conducting a medical examination of the victim immediately after the incident. 

Accused Family Involvement:

Even though the accused was arrested, he was granted bail shortly after his appearance in the lower court, which later also granted him anticipatory bail in a separate case. However, the High Court interfered, rejecting both bail approvals and transferring the investigation to a female police officer of Deputy Commissioner rank from Lalbazar.

In addition to that, the victim has alleged that she faced pressure to withdraw her complaint from the accused’s wife and son, who were reportedly brought to the police station after the FIR was filed. She accused the police of handling the case leisurely, noting it took over 24 hours for them to visit her home and seize crucial evidence.

In response to these serious concerns, Justice Bharadwaj has directed the Kolkata Police Commissioner to take action against several officers involved, including the officer-in-charge of the Lake police station, a sub-inspector, a sergeant, and three female officers, citing their mishandling of the case and indiscipline. The court expressed alarm over the lack of transparency in the investigation.

State Response:

In contrast to the victim's accusations, the state presented a different narrative, stating that the victim arrived at the police station on July 15 at 2:15 PM, sent a WhatsApp message to the police, and submitted a written complaint by 6:30 PM. They noted that no female officer was available at the Lake police station that day, necessitating the transfer of one from the Karaya police station to assist with the case.