A single judge bench of the Calcutta High Court on Tuesday said that the rape victim and that too a minor. male police Interrogation by (Male police) officers is absolutely unacceptable. A bench of Justice Jai Sengupta made this comment while hearing a case related to the rape of a minor girl in Bagnan in Howrah district of West Bengal. During the hearing of the case on Tuesday, Justice Jai Sengupta said that taking the statement of a rape victim in front of a male investigating officer or officer-in-charge is not only unacceptable but also against the rules. The allegations in this particular case are quite serious. This cannot happen.
The victim’s family members informed the court that after filing a complaint regarding the rape, the victim’s statement was recorded at the Bagnan police station. She was asked to narrate what happened to her in front of the investigating officer and the officer in charge, who were all men. He complained that the victim, who was already in a state of shock after the incident, was further traumatized by having to narrate and relive her ordeal in front of male officers.
The family also complained that they have been receiving threatening calls since filing the complaint. Following this, Justice Jai Sengupta ordered a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) level investigation into the case and also directed the Bagnan police station to ensure the safety of the victim and her family. He also directed the family members of the victim that if they face any further problems in this regard, they should directly contact his division bench.