Calcutta High Court Criticizes Police Officers for Midnight Interactions with Gang Rape Victim
In a stern move, the Calcutta High Court, acting on a suo moto motion, expressed its
“severe condemnation” over the actions of police officers from the Lake Gardens and Narendrapur Police Stations. These officers, while investigating a gang rape case, reportedly made inappropriate midnight visits and calls to the victim.
The court noted with concern that the officers had visited the victim’s residence at an unsettling hour of 2 AM. Furthermore, they made WhatsApp calls to her around midnight. Prior to these interactions, the officers had also sent an email to the victim at the same late hour.
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, the court stated that such actions by the police officers were a blatant violation of the victim’s privacy and her fundamental right to dignity. The court opined,
“The errant police officers should ideally be ordered to pay compensation to the victim for breaching her privacy and right to dignity.”
However, in a subsequent development, the court chose not to pass such an order. This decision was influenced by the victim’s expressed desire to put the matter to rest, provided she received an unconditional apology from the police.
Respecting the victim’s wishes, the court then directed the officers-in-charge of both the Lake Gardens and Narendrapur Police Stations to issue separate written apologies to the victim for their misconduct. In addition to this, the court mandated both police stations to pay a notional compensation of ₹5,000 each to the victim. This gesture was seen as a symbolic affirmation of her rights.
The court’s decision underscores the imperative of treating victims of grave crimes with the utmost sensitivity and respect, ensuring their rights and dignity are preserved consistently.
