Garhwal Post Bureau
Nainital, 20 Aug: Serious allegations have been made regarding police functioning in Jyolikot area of Nainital district. The local people have alleged that four tourists accused of molesting a local woman were let off by police in exchange for Rs 18,000. Following the confirmation of the online transaction in this respect, Nainital SSP Manjunath TC today ordered immediate action and, on his orders, Jyolikot outpost in-charge Shyam Bora and constable Dharmendra Sahni have been attached to the lines.
According to reports, the local villagers had informed police that four tourists travelling in a Scorpio had allegedly molested a local woman in the area. Acting on the information, police intercepted the vehicle near Ranibagh and brought the accused to Jyolikot outpost. It is alleged that instead of initiating legal proceedings against the accused, the police accepted an amount of Rs 18,000 from the tourists as bribe and released them. When no action was taken against the accused, the local residents protested. Under pressure, the money was reportedly returned online, but public anger did not subside and the matter reached senior officers.
The SSP confirmed that, instead of proceeding against the accused, a complaint was received regarding monetary transactions. After verifying the online payment, disciplinary action was taken against the two policemen.
The incident has cast a shadow on police credibility yet again. While the two policemen have been line attached, a further departmental inquiry will determine any further disciplinary action against those involved in the incident.
