Police allegedly rape woman in custody, SI suspended

Itanagar, Aug 5 (UNI) Arunachal Pradesh Government has suspended a police sub-inspector for allegedly outraging the modesty of a woman in police custody.

According to official sources here today, the officer-in-charge of Deomali police station under Tirap district Pusa Bayor, took out the woman on his motorcycle to PWD guest house in the wee hours of July 27 last and criminally assaulted her before putting her back in the lock-up.

When the victim, arrested on July 24 last in a drug-related case, was produced before the sessions court on August 2, she described her ordeal before the Magistrate, detailing as to how the incident happened.

The Magistrate had directed the district police authorities to take immediate action and ordered a judicial inquiry, sources informed.

A case was registered and the sub-inspector was suspended immediately and an officer of Deputy Superintendent rank was entrusted with the case for fair and speedy investigation, the sources stated.

While the woman was released on bail, police sought the help of the Women Welfare Society (WWS) to provide counselling and support to help the victim overcome her psychological trauma. Meanwhile, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Women (APSCW) were informed about the incident, sources informed, saying the accused might even lose his job soon.

UNI XC-UPB SJC SI DB1246