CHANDIGARH: Responding to calls from women activists, khaps, social organizations, and farmer unions, the Haryana government has finally taken action two months after the shocking incident of sexual assault on 60 minor girls.
A new Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by a lady IPS officer, has been formed to expedite the investigation.
The order, issued by Hisar range Inspector General of Police (IGP) Shrikant Jadhav, outlines the composition of the SIT. Lady IPS officer Deepti Garg, serving as an additional superintendent of police (ASP) in Sirsa district, will lead the team. The SIT includes four other officials—DSP Amit Bhatia, Women Police Station SHO Mukesh Rani, Sub-Inspector Prem Kumari, and Sub-Inspector Pooja—all deputed in Jind district. The SIT is mandated to conduct counseling sessions for all the victimized girls and submit a comprehensive report within the stipulated 10-day deadline.
Significantly, the Uchana Kalan SHO has been removed from the team, following complaints from khaps and farmer outfits regarding alleged misconduct and questionable intentions. The higher authorities, including the CM squad, took cognizance of the concerns raised about the SHO's behavior.
The order specifies that the investigation will cover charges under various sections, including Section 354A (assault or criminal force against a woman with the intent to outrage her modesty), Section 341 (punishment for wrongful restraint), Section 342 (punishment for wrongful confinement), and POCSO Section 10 (punishment for aggravated sexual assault). An IPS-level official will oversee the investigation.
The move by the Haryana police has been met with some approval from activists. Soonia Doohan, Azad Palwa, and others welcomed the formation of the SIT, expressing hope for a fair and thorough inquiry. While some activists had initially called for a CBI probe, the establishment of an SIT led by an IPS officer is seen as a positive step toward addressing the gravity of the crime and restoring public trust in the investigative process.
