Mumbai: Sisters complain cops didn’t act against father, DCP orders probe

According to the three sisters, the man grew abusive after their mother’s death in February. He remarried later and used to often assault the trio physically and sexually, one of whom is a minor.

A day after HT’s report on how officials at the Meghwadi police station allegedly refused to file a first information report (FIR) against a man who reportedly molested his three daughters, the zonal deputy commissioner of police (DCP), Prashant Holkar, has ordered an inquiry into the incident.

According to the three sisters, the man grew abusive after their mother’s death in February. He remarried later and used to often assault the trio physically and sexually, one of whom is a minor.

The eldest daughter alleged she approached the police twice – once in August and in September, but the police only took a non-cognisable complaint. “My father was called to the police station once. There, he threatened to kill me in front of the policemen, but they did not do anything,” said the daughter.

Santosh Bhandare, senior inspector, Meghwadi police station, said, “We have taken her claims into account and have initiated an internal inquiry against the duty officer. Based on the findings of the inquiry, we will take necessary action.”

The duty officer had allegedly turned away the girl, but later registered a non-cognisable complaint as the officials “did not believe a father could molest his daughters.” “We take such matters very seriously. No officer should brush aside such a sensitive matter. It is unlikely the duty officer would have done something like that,” said an officer from the police station.

Bhandare said preliminary investigation has revealed only two girls were subjected to sexual assault. They are not minor and hence the police have not pressed charges of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act.

The sisters have also named two of their father’s friends in the FIR, but the duo is absconding. The DCP said the duo will be caught soon. The accused father has been remanded in police custody till Tuesday.