Before chairing a meeting of the Home Department, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Wednesday suspended SDOP Dhruvesh Jaiswal and Raghunathnagar police station in-charge Johan Pradeep Lakra in Balrampur district with immediate effect on charges of negligence in investigation of crimes against women.
On the Chief Minister’s instructions, Director General of Police D.M. Awasthi issued an order in this context.
For the suspension period, the headquarters of the two officers would be the IG office at Surguja.
This followed the rape and death of a five-year-old in Balrampur district and the police refusal to file a case for two full days. Both sparked outrage in the state. The SDOP stands for Sub-Divisional Officer Police and this post is usually held by officers on probation.
There were also four other rapes in the district, including two other minors.
Baghel has given instructions to work with priority and sincerity to prevent crimes against women.
The Chief Minister has also written to the Chief Justice of Chhattisgarh High Court requesting him to notify the required number of fast track courts in all districts needed for speedy hearing of the cases related to sexual offenses.