Moved by a young mother’s narration of how she was subjected to a brutal custodial rape by a police inspector, the Madras HC (Madurai Bench) has ordered a probe by the CB-CID.
“If the victim’s version is to be believed, it would shake one’s conscience,” Justice N Kirubakaran observed while allowing a petition filed by the victim seeking justice. The woman hailing from Theni, alleged that on February 11, last year, the Kadamalaikundu police had taken her for an enquiry. At the station, the Inspector attacked her and raped her. She was kept in custody for two days and charged with snatching a chain.
When she was taken to the Nilakottai Women’s Prison on judicial remand, the authorities refused to lodge her there. Thereafter she was taken to the Nilakottai Government Hospital, Madurai GH, Dindigul GH and Tiruchy GH. Finally, on February 16, 2012, she was lodged at the Women’s Prison in Tiruchy.
Earlier, while hearing her petition, the court had directed the Theni Superintendent of Police to submit a report by July 10, 2012. However, in his belated counter-affidavit the SP contended that the woman’s complaint was false. Criticising the SP’s delayed report, Justice Kirubakaran said when serious allegations were made against the police, it was the duty of the police to conduct enquiry. Citing a document submitted by the pleader obtained under RTI Act, which states that the injuries on her while she was admitted to the various hospitals, the judge said “When the petitioner was remanded to judicial custody, the police is duty bound to explain under what circumstances the pleader sustained injuries.” Holding that the evidence calls for an independent probe, the judge directed the Theni SP to entrust the case to the ADGP, CB-CID, who shall depute a woman police officer to conduct an enquiry.