Girls fear predators in the guise of cops
Scenarios often arise in our society when the dividing line between those who uphold the law and those who break it disappears. Instances of members of the police force resorting to extortion and bribery are commonplace. However, as a matter of grave concern, cases of cops molesting and raping women have begun to emerge.
Recently a task force sub inspector raped a minor girl in Madannapet and a constable in Shamshabad sexually harassed a 35-year-old woman and allegedly raped her. With such cases increasing in number, how does a woman gather the courage to approach the police the next time she faces a problem? Police Commissioner A.K. Khan says, “We have taken very strong action against errant cops. In fact, I have registered a criminal case and filed a report against the police official responsible for the crime in Madannapet. He has been suspended from duty. He will be treated like any other accused and will be punished more severely compared to others. I assure women that strict action will be taken against such cops if they approach us and that they must not have any apprehension in mind.”
Suspension might not be a strong enough deterrent given the harrowing experiences of some victims. Parvathi, a woman who was raped by a sub inspector in Vijayawada almost a year back has been fighting for justice ever since. “I had approached Govindarajalu, who was the SI at Rajolle in East Godavari district to register a case of domestic violence. The cops refused to cooperate and kept asking me to come back later. This went on for a month. During this time, the officer sexually harassed me after which he raped me twice. He has sexually harassed many other women in the same city. I reported the case and he was suspended for only a short while and later rejoined duty. I took up the case with the Mayor of the city a few months ago, no case has been registered so far. I have lost faith in cops.” she says.
Single women have also been targeted by the police. Sumitra used to live alone and was molested by a circle inspector who is still on duty. The case has gone unreported. “I approached the cop to file a case. He said he would come over to my house to investigate. But when he came home, he molested me. He then asked me to marry him though he was already married. It is unbelievable that someone whom you trust to bring you justice can finally rape you,” she says. V. Sandhya, president, Progressive Organisation for Women says, “There have been many such cases, most of which have gone unreported as women are afraid to lodge complaints. Even some high ranking police officers are guilty. We guide victims to fight cases, give them the protection they need and talk directly to the cops if required. Victims are urged to report the case. Their identities can be protected if they want.”
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