In a shocking development, officials on Saturday reported that a police sub-inspector, suspected of raping a young girl in Rajasthan’s Dausa district, has been dismissed from his duties and detained. The complaint against him was filed under various laws, including the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the SC/ST Act, according to news agency PTI.
DGP Umesh Mishra released a statement confirming that IG (Jaipur range) Umesh Datta had terminated Sub-Inspector Bhupendra Singh on Saturday. The decision for his dismissal was made on Friday, following his arrest and suspension.
This heinous act, allegedly committed by a law enforcement officer, has drawn severe criticism from various quarters. The opposition BJP condemned the state’s Congress administration over the law and order situation. They accused the Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot-led Government of protecting rapists, contrasting it with the Central Government’s “beti bachao” (save the daughter) campaign.
Rajasthan Governor Kalraj Mishra expressed his distress over the incident, stating it brought shame to the entire community. He directed DGP Umesh Mishra to ensure stringent action is taken in this matter.
According to police reports, the sub-inspector lured the child into a room on Friday afternoon and raped her. Following the incident, Singh was immediately dismissed, and a report of his misconduct was sent to the IGP of Jaipur Rural for further action.
The incident, which occurred in the Lalsot neighborhood, led to a massive public outcry. Locals gathered in large numbers at the Rahuwas police station, chanting anti-police slogans. A disturbing video circulated online showing the accused being dragged down the street and assaulted by the crowd.
The minor girl received medical attention and is currently in stable condition. However, her exact age remains unconfirmed, with estimates suggesting she is between four and five years old.
Dausa Superintendent of Police Vandita Rana stated that a FIR was registered against the accused under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, POCSO Act, and the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. She further informed that an additional SP-rank officer is investigating the case and the victim’s statement has been recorded.
BJP MP Kirodi Lal Meena visited the site on Friday, demanding justice for the young victim. In a press conference on Saturday, BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla highlighted the increasing confidence of rapists in Rajasthan, especially in cases involving police and other government personnel.
Poonawalla also accused the authorities of trying to protect the accused and tamper with evidence, emphasizing the victim’s young age and her Dalit background. He claimed that the FIR was filed only after protests erupted.
In response to the escalating situation, Governor Mishra contacted DGP Mishra, urging him to take necessary measures to maintain law and order and public safety, and to treat such cases with utmost seriousness.
This incident has not only raised questions about the safety and protection of minors but also about the conduct of law enforcement officers. The swift action taken against the accused is a step towards justice, but it also highlights the need for systemic changes to prevent such atrocious crimes in the future.
