High Court said, interrogation of rape victim through male officers is unacceptable

Kolkata: A single judge bench of the Calcutta High Court on Tuesday said it is absolutely unacceptable for male police officers to interrogate a rape victim, that too a minor.

A bench of Justice Jai Sengupta made the remarks while hearing a case related to the rape of a minor girl in Bagnan in Howrah district of West Bengal.

Justice Sengupta said, “Taking the statement of a rape victim before 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 can’t go on.”

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. Subsequently, Justice 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 to directly contact his division bench if they face any further problems in this regard.