Kolkata cop accused of molesting female civic volunteer inside Park Street police station
Kolkata: A female civic volunteer has accused Sub-Inspector Abhishek Roy of Park Street police station of molestation, media reports said.
The civic volunteer alleged that Roy touched her inappropriately and police inaction when she tried to file a complaint.
A written complaint has been lodged with the Kolkata Police Commissioner, Joint CP (Crime), DC (South), and the OC (Officer-in-Charge) of Park Street police station, reported ABP Ananda.
The incident allegedly occurred on the night of October 4 while the woman was on duty at the station.
According to her complaint, Roy called her to the restroom around 1:10 am, offering her a salwar suit as a Durga Puja gift. She claims that Roy, who appeared intoxicated, then made advances and touched her inappropriately. When she resisted, Roy allegedly tried to use force, reported India Today.
The woman said Roy had behaved with her in the same way in an inebriated state on September 25, but she chose not to report it at the time.
Congress activists protest against the incident in front of Park Street police station.
After the October 4 incident, the woman informed the duty officer at the station, but he reportedly downplayed her concerns.
Her brother later arrived to lodge a formal complaint, but the officer allegedly attempted to settle the matter verbally.
The woman escalated the issue by sending copies of her complaint to senior officials, including the West Bengal Home Secretary and the Commissioner of Police, prompting an official investigation.
An FIR has been registered under Section 74 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for using criminal force or assault with intent to outrage a woman's modesty, reported India Today.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) Priyobroto Roy confirmed that Sub-Inspector Abhishek Roy has been suspended pending a departmental inquiry.
"The matter is being investigated thoroughly," DCP Roy stated, adding that they are also reviewing the role of the duty officer and examining CCTV footage from the station, added the report.
Congress protests
The workers of West Bengal wing of Congress protested the incident, demonstarting in front of the Park Street police station.
"In Bengal, the protector has now become the predator. Today, a protest was held in front of Park Street police station at the call of the Central and South Kolkata District Congress regarding the Park Street incident," the party said in a Facebook post.
The party demanded the safety of the female civic volunteer, and the police were requested to make sure she does not face any mental pressure.
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