SC Questions Gurugram Police Sensitivity In Child Rape Case, Calls Actions ‘Shameful’

New Delhi: The Supreme Court has taken a tough stance on the functioning of the Haryana Police and the Child Welfare Committee in the rape case of a three-year-old girl in Gurugram. During the hearing, the court clearly said that the way this case was handled was extremely insensitive and worrying.

What is the matter?

A three year old girl living in a high-rise society in Gurugram was allegedly sexually assaulted multiple times by two female domestic helpers and one of their associates in December-January. After the complaint, an FIR was registered under the POCSO Act, but the family alleges that there was negligence in the initial investigation.

Why was the court angry at the police?

The biggest question raised during the hearing was why such a small girl was repeatedly called to the police station. The court said that the police themselves could have gone to the girl's house and recorded her statement. The bench called it a direct lack of sensitivity.

Were rules violated?

The court also noted that the statement of the girl was recorded in the presence of the accused. In the POCSO Act, it has been said to provide a safe environment to the victim in such cases, but the opposite happened here. The girl was interrogated by making her sit in front of the accused, which further increased her mental pressure.

What was said at Child Welfare Committee?

The Supreme Court also raised questions on the Child Welfare Committee of Gurugram. The girl was repeatedly asked to appear before the committee and on some occasions was even interrogated without her parents. The court has issued a notice to the committee members and sought their reply.

Was the girl dragged more than necessary?

The court remarked that the girl was made to go to the police station, hospital, committee office and court. No one took into account how painful such a procedure must have been for him at such a young age.

What will happen next now?

Considering the seriousness of the matter, the court has ordered the constitution of a three-member SIT. This team will be of senior women IPS officers of Haryana cadre, which will conduct a fresh investigation into the entire matter.

What instructions did the police receive?

The court clearly said that all the records related to the case should be handed over to the SIT within the stipulated time. Also, the police commissioner and the investigating officer have been asked to personally appear in court and clarify the entire situation.