Assam: IPS officer with POCSO charges made district SP, Congress writes to CM Sarma

[Devabrata Dutta]

GUWAHATI: In a recent major reshuffle in Assam Police by the newly elected Assam government, an IPS officer with a sexual assault case on a child has been made Superintendent of Police of a district.

The officer, who was earlier posted in Guwahati, has charges against him under sections 354, 354A (assault or criminal force to outrage modesty, sexual harassment) of the Indian Penal Code and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

A charge sheet was filed on March 31 this year by Assam Police and submitted before the Special Judge, POCSO Act, Assam, Kamrup Metropolitan district.

Now this accused officer's posting has raised many questions on the state Home Department.

Also Read: Akhil Gogoi Alleges Manhandling By Security Forces, Terms It As Insult To Assamese…

Meanwhile, a letter has been written by Sushmita Dev, president of All India Mahila Congress, to the chief minister of Assam Himanta Biswa Sarma, who is also holding the home department portfolio.

Sushmita Dev in her letter wrote, "The state of women security in Assam has only worsened in last few years with the state topping the list of incidences of crime against women in India. It is a matter of serious concern that a police officer charged with sexual assault of a minor is given responsibility of maintaining law and order of a district in Assam. How can a tainted officer invoke the confidence of the people."

Dev added further, "The people of Assam expect and deserve a safe and secure Assam while this action proves

otherwise. I request you to immediately suspend the appointment order of the said officer and

ensure justice through a speedy investigation and trial."

The Assam government has yet to react to this but Assam Director General of Police Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta said in a media report that the matter was "Sub judice".

It was also mentioned that the accused is able to provide his service until the court gives any other. The accused will be arrested as per the law if the court decides.

Bobbeeta Sharma, General secretary and media chairperson of Assam Congress, has also marked her protest against it and said, "A pedophile as an SP? This can happen only in Assam or maybe in India of present times."

Follow us on Facebook