By Arun Pratap Singh
Garhwal Post Bureau
HARIDWAR, 2 Apr: In a stern assertion of accountability within the police force, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Haridwar Navneet Singh Bhullar has ordered the suspension of Khanpur Station House Officer (SHO) , Inspector Digpal Singh Kohli, for alleged negligence in handling a case involving the rape of a minor girl in the Khanpur police station area. The decisive action, taken late Friday night, comes in the wake of serious lapses that reportedly allowed the accused to evade immediate arrest, triggering public outrage and administrative concern.
According to available information, the incident of sexual assault, described in some accounts as a case of gang rape, occurred in a village within the jurisdiction of Khanpur police station around three days ago. The victim’s family is stated to have promptly informed Inspector Kohli about the incident and had sought swift police intervention. However, allegations have surfaced that instead of taking immediate and effective action on the complaint, the officer concerned displayed a lackadaisical approach, resulting in crucial delay. This delay is believed to have provided an opportunity for the accused persons to abscond.
Upon receiving information regarding the alleged inaction, SSP Navneet Singh Bhullar took serious cognisance of the matter and issued directions for strict action. Acting on these instructions, a case was immediately registered under relevant and stringent provisions, including those of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, and an intensified effort to apprehend the accused was finally launched. The responsibility of tracking down the suspects has been entrusted to the CIU team, which has reportedly taken one accused into custody, while efforts continue to nab the remaining individuals involved in the crime.
Taking a firm view of the negligence displayed in such a sensitive case involving a minor, the SSP ordered the suspension of Inspector Digpal Singh Kohli with immediate effect. The action is being seen as one of the rare instances in recent years where an Inspector rank officer has been directly suspended in the district, sending a strong message across the police establishment. The atmosphere within the department has reportedly been tense following the move, with officers being reminded of their responsibility towards prompt and effective policing.
In a parallel administrative decision, the charge of Khanpur police station has now been handed over to Inspector Govind Kumar, who was earlier serving in the Cyber Cell. The SSP has expressed confidence that the ongoing investigation will be pursued with due seriousness and that all the accused will be arrested at the earliest.
It may be reminded here that the incident relates to one minor Hindu girl in which the accused are from the Muslim community. The incident had also sparked protests by members of the Bajrang Dal, who demanded immediate arrest of the accused and raised slogans against the police for their alleged inaction. Given the fact that at the case is linked to individuals from two different communities, tensions briefly escalated in the area. Given this fact, senior police officers finally realised the potential escalation of the matter, and they finally took cognisance of the seriousness of the matter and the SSP ordered suspension of Inspector Kohli. The protesters had resorted to a road blockade and staged a demonstration outside the police station after news spread that the accused had managed to flee.
The situation was eventually brought under control after the intervention of the SP (Rural), who reached the spot and assured the agitating groups that strict action would be taken against the accused. Following this assurance, the protesters dispersed peacefully.
Reiterating a zero-tolerance stance, SSP Navneet Singh Bhullar stated that negligence in any matter, particularly those involving serious crimes and vulnerable victims, would not be tolerated under any circumstances. He emphasised that failure in maintaining law and order or in ensuring timely action against criminals would invite strict disciplinary proceedings against erring personnel.
