The case of a mentally challenged woman allegedly raped by a 57-year-old assistant sub-inspector of police (ASI) in a moving vehicle has sent shock waves even amongst the top brass of the police force and the administration.
While the accused ASI Umesh S. and Eshwar, driver of the vehicle in which the woman was allegedly raped, have been remanded in 14 days judicial custody, senior police officers said stern and swift action was essential to restore faith in the force.
Officers also added that the ASI may be dismissed from service. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who chaired an annual police review meet in Bengaluru on Monday sent out a warning to all police personnel.
“We will take severe action against the accused. We have booked a case, arrested him and have ordered the officials to suspend him and eventually dismissal too,” he said.
Suo motu case
Meanwhile, the victim, who continued to remain under medical treatment, had a stream of visitors on Monday, including the Chairperson of State women’s commission Nagalakshmi Bai. “A suo motu case has been taken up by the commission,” Ms. Bai said. V.S. Ugrappa, Chairman, Expert Committee on Prevention of Sexual Violence against Women and Children, who met the victim, said he had directed the officials to file a charge sheet in 90 days.
Several student unions and women’s organisations organised protests to condemn the incident in Tumakuru.
