In Himachal Pradesh’s Chamba district, four police officials attached to the women’s police station have been suspended following allegations of irregularities and misconduct during the investigation of a case involving a 17-year-old girl. The suspended personnel include a sub-inspector, a head constable, and two constables, one of whom is a woman. They have been transferred to the police lines in Chamba pending a departmental inquiry into their conduct.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the case originated when a resident from the Churah subdivision filed a complaint at the women’s police station on April 7. The complainant alleged that a youth had lured his minor daughter and subsequently taken her away. The police successfully traced the whereabouts of the minor and the individual to Chennai in Tamil Nadu. A team from Chamba was dispatched to the southern state, which located and brought both the girl and the youth back to Chamba.
However, the operation subsequently came under scrutiny after both the girl and her family members reportedly lodged complaints against the Chamba police team involved in the recovery. The parents of the minor alleged that the police officials had intimidated their daughter, potentially influencing her statement. They also raised concerns that standard legal procedures were not adequately followed during the investigation and the process of recovering the minor.
Following these complaints, a preliminary inquiry was initiated by the police department. This inquiry reportedly brought to light several procedural irregularities in the handling of the case and the subsequent recovery operation. In response to the findings of the preliminary investigation, the police personnel implicated in the allegations were placed under suspension.
Additional Superintendent of Police Dinesh Sharma stated that cases involving minors, particularly those of abduction or elopement, demand a high degree of adherence to legal protocols and a sensitive approach from law enforcement officers. He affirmed that the suspensions were based on the complaints received and the facts that emerged during the preliminary inquiry. Mr. Sharma further added that a departmental inquiry is now underway, and strict action would be initiated if any negligence or violation of established rules is found to have occurred. The investigation aims to ascertain the full extent of the alleged misconduct and ensure accountability within the police force.
The incident highlights the critical importance of proper procedure and ethical conduct in sensitive cases involving minors. The police department’s swift action in suspending the personnel and initiating an inquiry underscores its commitment to upholding legal standards and public trust. The outcome of the departmental inquiry is expected to provide further clarity on the specific lapses, if any, and determine the appropriate disciplinary measures.
The Chenab Times News Desk