Molestation case: HC asks SP to file report on role of cops

Kolkata, Sept 20 (PTI) Expressing displeasure over theprogress in the probe in a case of alleged molestation of aTMC student leader and her mother by goons, the Calcutta HighCourt today directed the SP of North 24 Parganas district tofile a report on the role of the inspector in-charge andinvestigating officer. Hearing a petition by the girl alleging police inaction,Justice Dipankar Dutta directed the SP to file the report onthe role of the two officers of Madhyamgram police station inNorth 24 Parganas district by Tuesday, when the matter wouldbe taken up for hearing again. Justice Dutta expressed surprise at the police failing torecord the girl’s statement before a judicial magistrate undersection 164 of CrPC. Jayanta Narayan Chatterjee, counsel for the girl,submitted that a statement before a magistrate was mandatoryif an accused is charged under section 354(B) (assault onwoman with intention to outrage her modesty) of IPC, which isthe case herein. The judge also voiced displeasure over lack of propersecurity to the girl and her mother and on the progress in theinvestigation despite the incident having taken place on Mayfour this year. Two FIRs have been logded against the alleged perpetratorswho had reportedly been demanding a hefty sum from the familyof the girl, who is an elected leader of Trinamool CongressStudents Union of Sarojini Naidu College in the district, forhaving done some construction work in their house. PTI AMR PRSC