Two indicted cops to face another inquiry
Following their indictment in a preliminary inquiry, the two officers from Borivli police station--whose failure in initiating prompt action had resulted in the abduction of a minor girl from Charkop last month-will now face a detailed departmental inquiry to decide the quantum of punishment against them.
Following their indictment in a preliminary inquiry, the two officers from Borivli police station--whose failure in initiating prompt action had resulted in the abduction of a minor girl from Charkop last month-will now face a detailed departmental inquiry to decide the quantum of punishment against them.
Additional commissioner of police, north region, Ramrao Pawar told HT that an officer of the rank of assistant commissioner of police (ACP) will conduct the inquiry to determine the quantum of punishment against the erring officers. "This will be a more elaborate inquiry because the course of action would be determined according to the findings," he said.
"The punishment can range from suspension to stalling their promotions or annual increment," Pawar said, adding that the punishment depends on the outcome of the inquiry. The two officers hold the ranks of police inspector and a police sub-inspector.
Following a series of reports by Hindustan Times about the circumstances leading to the abduction, the deputy commissioner of police, Zone 11 had asked for an inquiry. The inquiry, conducted by the joint commissioner of police, law and order, indicted the two officers for inadequate and late action and recommended action against them. The inquiry report was prepared on the basis of the statement of the victim, her relatives, other witnesses and the accused.
Pawar said the purpose of conducting the inquiry was to give the two officers a chance to defend themselves.
The 14-year-old was allegedly abducted on October 11 and raped over a period of 34 days by the two accused before she was rescued on November 14. Two days before she was kidnapped, the girl had lodged a complaint with the Borivli police alleging molestation by the duo. The Borivli police booked the duo under lighter, non-cognisable sections and let them off with a warning.