People friendly image of the Jammu & Kashmir Police has taken a severe beating following serious allegations of brutal torture levelled by a domestic worker against the Station House officer (SHO) of Kanachak police station and others in Jammu have come to light.
Arrested by the police in a theft case, a domestic worker identified as Rama Devi (name changed) has alleged that during her confinement SHO Rakesh Sharma hanged her upside down and put chillies and beer bottles in her private parts.
“When I was detained in the Kanachak police station, SHO Rakesh Sharma and his colleague Reeta tortured me and my husband. They even threatened to torture my minor son,” Rama Devi alleged.
After failing to earn justice from the higher police authorities she has now approached the local court in Jammu demanding magisterial probe in the alleged case of torture.
Rama Devi was picked up by the Kanachak police from her house on April 25, 2017.
Taking note of the alleged case of harassment, Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office Dr Jitendra Singh too had intervened in the matter seeking thorough report from the State Government.
Meanwhile, Senior Superintendent of Police Jammu Dr Sunil Gupta Tuesday said, “An FIR (no 63/2017) under Section 454/380 of RPC (Ranbir Penal Code) related to theft of house hold and jewellery items was registered against the accused and she along with her mother Sudesh Kumar were arrested in the case.”
SSP Jammu said, “The complaint of theft of jewellery items was lodged by the house owner where Rama Devi was working as domestic help.”
SSP, Jammu Dr Sunil Gupta said, “Soon after we came to know about other allegations of misconduct by the police officer we have immediately shifted her to women’s cell during the intervening night of May 2-3.”
He said a separate enquiry to probe allegations of physical torture was ordered under the charge of SP Rural, Jammu. He said in order to ensure impartial enquiry the SHO has been shifted from the Kanachak police station.
Sunil Gupta also said since Rama Devi along with her relatives had also approached the court of Judicial Magistrate a medical board was constituted to conduct her medical examination. “The medical board had already submitted its report in the court. Since the matter is sub-judice we are also waiting for the court directions in the case,” he added.
The SSP Jammu said, “The State police has set up Special Investigation team under the charge of Sub Divisional Police officer, Domana to probe allegations of theft.” He said some recoveries have already been made from Rama Devi and her mother. We are investigating the case of theft separately, he added.