Why no female cop in investigating teams? NCW questions TS govt

Hyderabad: The National Commission for Women (NCW) has criticised the Telangana police for the lack of a woman investigative officer in the team that deals with the vet doctor's case. The commission which took Suo-Motu cognizance of the case and constituted an Inquiry Committee that pointed out on the lack of a woman investigating officer in the entire group of 10 teams investigating the case.

Based on its enquiry, the commission also criticised the police for their delayed action in the case. After hearing out the complaint completely at the first police station for at least half an hour, the victim’s family was shunted between two police stations citing the jurisdiction of the location where the victim was last seen, the commission opined.

Police came into action only the next day though the victim’s family had reached out to them immediately after the victim’s cell phone got switched off. NWC was also critical of the police officials who were at the toll plaza at the time of the incident. In its statement, the Commission questions the duty officers on why they didn’t bother to enquire about the lorry driver and cleaner who parked their vehicle on roadside and consumed alcohol in the vicinity of the toll plaza.

It also calls the police’s claim of CCTV footage from the toll plaza not clear as strange.

NCW team also met the victim’s family and consoled them. NCW has instructed the DCP Cyberabad to get the CCTV cameras installed and checked at various locations in the city, particularly the toll plazas. They have also asked the police officials to be vigilant and provide designated areas for trucks and heavy vehicles and not let them loiter around in the city.

Smt. Rekha Sharma, Chairperson, NCW said, “The lackadaisical attitude of the police has complicated the case, had they come into action immediately the mishap could have been avoided. I don’t see the seriousness yet, they still haven’t been able to recover the mobile phone of the victim which could have answers to so many questions in this case.”

She added, “I demand immediate charge sheet and punishment of the miscreants. This will serve a lesson and people will not dare to commit such a heinous crime ever. Rape is not just an offence, it’s a malice that is eating into the society. Severe punishment is the only way to get rid of this malady.”

A comprehensive inquiry report is being prepared by the Commission and would be submitted to the concerned authorities.