Seraikela-Kharsawan (Gurpreet Singh): A rape complaint against police personnel at a police station in Jharkhand has led to the arrest of three cops and the suspension of 15 personnel. The alleged assault took place inside Gamharia police station in Seraikela-Kharsawan district, officials said on Monday.
The woman approached the police with a written complaint on October 31, alleging that she had been raped within the station premises. Following the complaint, a team was formed to identify and apprehend those accused.
The three arrested personnel are Neeraj Lakra, a wireless operator, Sub-Inspector Manoj Kumar Sahu and Constable Santosh Kumar Rai. All three were posted at Gamharia police station and have been remanded to judicial custody.
Special Investigation Team Probes Police Station Assault
A Special Investigation Team headed by Seraikela SDPO Anubhav Bhardwaj is conducting the investigation.
Bhardwaj said the accused were apprehended after the complaint was received and the required legal procedures had been followed. He added that the probe was still underway and further action would be taken against anyone found guilty.
Seraikela-Kharsawan SP Manoj Swargiary also confirmed that action had been taken in the case while speaking to ANI.
The number of suspended personnel, however, requires clarification. The SP’s statement cited 15 suspensions, whereas the SDPO referred to four suspended personnel in his remarks.
JLKM Members Protest, Demand Accountability
The allegations have also prompted protests by members of the Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM). The organisation demanded justice for the complainant and questioned the safety measures in place at the police station.
Prem Mardi, Central Vice President of the organisation’s ST Morcha, said members had protested on Sunday and returned to the police station on Monday to help with the collection of evidence related to the woman.
Mardi described the allegations as extremely serious and questioned the availability of CCTV cameras and the presence of women police personnel at the station.
He also criticised the state government and police administration, arguing that an alleged assault inside a police station raised serious concerns about women’s safety and police accountability.
The SIT is continuing to examine the case. The allegations have not yet been established in court, and further action will depend on the findings of the investigation.
