Punjab police to follow NHRC norms on child rape victims

Chandigarh, Aug 16 (UNI) The Director General Punjab Police (Crime) has asked all police officers in the state to strictly follow recent instructions of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to ensure sensitive handling and speedy disposal of child rape cases.

According to the police sources here today, Ms Aruna Sharma, Joint Secretary of the NHRC, recently issued guidelines to the DGPs of all the states for speedy disposal of child rape cases so that no victim of such a heinous crime was deprived of adequate relief.

In her letter, Ms Aruna Sharma stated that the complaint relating to child rape cases shall be recorded promptly and accurately. Identity of the victim and the family must be kept secret and they must be ensured of protection.

The complaint could be filed by the victim or an eyewitness or anyone, including a representative of non-government organisation, (NGO).

Case should be dealt with by officer not below the rank of Sub Inspector (SI) and preferably lady police officer in civil dress, recording should be verbatim and could be made at the residence of the victim. The child victim must be made comfortable before proceeding to record the complaint and if feasible, assistance of psychiatrist should be taken.

The investigating officer shall ensure that medical examination of victim of sexual assault and the accused was done preferably within 24 hours in accordance with Cr.PC Sec. 164 A. The gynaecologist, while examining the victim, should ensure recording the history of incident.

The investigation team shall visit the scene of crime immediately after the registration of the case, to secure whatever evidence was available and photographs be taken of any sign of struggle. The effort be made to secure the clothes of the victim and the accused, if arrested, and promptly sent for forensic analysis and if possible, DNA profiling.

The investigation must be completed within 90 days of registration of the case, which should be heard by the Fast Track Court preferably presided over by a woman. The trial should be held in-camera in a child-friendly atmosphere.

If possible, the recordings be done in video conferencing to spare the victim the close proximity of the accused and magistrate should submit case to session within 15 days after the filing of the charge sheet.

SSP, Hoshiarpur, Anita Punj told UNI that she had instructed, as per DGP's orders, all the officials to strictly follow the guidelines and to provide protection to the victim of child rape cases and their families.

UNI