Guwahati, 26th February: In a concerning turn of events, the Assam Police has come under scrutiny after a police station in Morigaon district reportedly delayed filing a report on a case of child abuse, leaving the department embarrassed.
Allegations surfaced that the officer-in-charge (OC) of Mikirbheta police station, Binod Koch, had refused to register a complaint regarding a case of child abuse brought forward by the parents of a 4-year-old victim. The parents were met with resistance from the police, and there are claims that the victim’s mother was subjected to threats for attempting to seek justice.
In response to the police’s inaction, the victim’s mother sought assistance from the Child Help Line, prompting intervention in the matter. Subsequently, an FIR was lodged on February 24, four days after the incident was reported to have occurred on February 20.
However, further complicating matters, on February 24, a police team led by woman constable Ashalata Biswas visited the victim’s home for investigation. Shockingly, the constable allegedly demanded a bribe of Rs 100 from the victim’s mother under the guise of needing money to refuel the police vehicle.
Upon learning of the incident, Morigaon district Superintendent of Police (SP) Hemanta Das promptly suspended the woman constable, Ashalata Biswas. However, no action has yet been taken against OC Binod Koch, who initially refused to register the FIR, raising questions about accountability within the police department.
In response to the outcry, the Morigaon SP has directed the Additional SP (Crime) to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter and submit their findings. He emphasized the importance of sensitivity and diligence, particularly in cases involving women and children, stating that officers failing to fulfill their duties adequately would face repercussions.
Acknowledging the lapse, the Morigaon SP assured that appropriate action would be taken based on the investigation’s outcome, reaffirming the department’s commitment to upholding justice and safeguarding the rights of vulnerable individuals, especially women and children.
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