More trouble for cop who slapped protestor

An embattled Delhi Police Commissioner on Monday said he was ready to register a criminal complaint against the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) who was caught assaulting a woman protester on camera. HT reports. Neeraj speak

An embattled Delhi Police Commissioner on Monday said he was ready to register a criminal complaint against the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) who was caught assaulting a woman protester on camera.

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The ACP in question, BS Ahlawat, who was posted at the Khajuri Khas sub-division, had been suspended within minutes of slapping a girl inside the Swami Dayanand Hospital. The girl, along with others, was protesting against the lax police response after the rape of a five-year-girl.

"Prima facie, there were shortfalls on the part of staff. We ordered a vigilance inquiry against the SHO and the investigating officer and even before the inquiry is over, we have placed them under suspension because we found that prima facie there are some faults," the commissioner said.

Disciplinary action had been initiated against the SHO of Gandhi Nagar police station, Dharampal Singh and sub-inspector Mahavir Singh, the investigating officer of the case. An vigilance inquiry was then ordered into allegations that some policemen attached to the Gandhi Nagar police station had offered Rs 2,000 to the minor girl's family to hush up the case.

"The major allegation is about the offer of Rs 2,000 to hush up the matter. We hope to complete the vigilance inquiry in the next 72 hours," he said.

The commissioner said efforts to identify the two policemen who offered to bribe the victim's family were under way. Police personnel posted at the Gandhi Nagar police station will sent in batches to her father, who is currently at AIIMS where the girl is undergoing treatment.

"As soon as they are identified, they will be suspended from service and a vigilance inquiry will follow. On the basis of the vigilance inquiry a regular departmental inquiry will be conducted," the Commissioner assured.