Special team to probe molestation case

Mumbai, Jan 3: Joint Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) K L Prasad today said a special team has been constituted to investigate into the molestation of two girls by new year revellers.

Mr Prasad also announced a reward to those providing information about the culprits involved in the incident. Mr Prasad told newsmen that the special team has been constituted under the supervision of additional police commissioner Archana Tyagi. The police have launched a search for the culprits. One of the culprits, as depicted by photographs published in a national daily, probably hails from the western suburbs of the metropolis, Mr Prasad said.

While announcing the reward, the amount of which was not specified, Mr Prasad said the informers will be provided a five-figure reward and their identity will not be revealed.

Mr Prasad said the police were still trying to convince the girls on the need to lodge a complaint. If they do not come forward, then the police can still initiate action under relevant sections of the Criminal Procedure Code, he informed.

It may be recalled that two California-based girls were allegedly molestated by a group of revellers on wee hours of January 1 near a five-star hotel on the western suburbs.

The Juhu police has interrogated seven people in this connection last night. The seven were allowed to go home after interrogation.

Police has initiated action on the basis of statements of the photographers who had clicked the photographs.

City Police Commissioner D N Jadhav, meanwhile, has received much flak for his statement that the media had blown the matter out of proportion, and this type of incident could occur anywhere, anytime.

Deputy Chief Minister R R Patil, who also holds the home portfolio, meanwhile has assured that stern action would be taken against the culprits and a fast-track court would try the case.

UNI