The Allahabad High Court has ordered an inquiry against senior police officers in Ghaziabad, including the Police Commissioner, over their alleged failure to register an FIR despite a complaint disclosing allegations of digital rape, molestation and other offences.
The Bench of Justice Chandra Dhari Singh passed the order while hearing a petition. The Court took note of the allegations that the police authorities failed to act on the complaint in accordance with law.
The proceedings arose from a complaint alleging commission of sexual offences, including digital rape. The term “digital rape” in this context refers to non-consensual penetration of a person’s private parts with a finger, thumb or toe and is distinct from cyber or online sexual abuse.
The High Court’s intervention centres on the alleged inaction of the police despite the complaint containing allegations which, if taken at face value, disclosed cognizable offences requiring appropriate action.
The Court has directed that the conduct of the concerned police officers be examined, particularly with regard to the failure to register the FIR. The inquiry is also significant because senior officers, including the Ghaziabad Police Commissioner, have been brought within its ambit.
The order underscores the obligation of police authorities to act promptly when information disclosing a cognizable offence is brought to their notice. The registration of an FIR is the formal starting point of a criminal investigation and cannot ordinarily be avoided merely because the allegations require further verification during investigation.
The case also highlights the distinction between the nature of the alleged sexual offence and the police’s duty to respond to a complaint. While “digital rape” is not a reference to an offence committed through digital technology, the allegations in the present matter reportedly included other offences as well.
The High Court’s decision to order an inquiry against senior police officials signals judicial scrutiny of alleged failures in the initial handling of complaints involving serious sexual offences.
The matter arises at a time when courts have repeatedly emphasised the importance of a prompt and lawful police response to complaints disclosing cognizable offences. The inquiry ordered by Justice Chandra Dhari Singh will now examine whether the concerned Ghaziabad police officials failed in their statutory duties by not registering the FIR and taking consequential steps on the complaint.
The proceedings are being watched for the Court’s further directions on the outcome of the inquiry and the action, if any, to be taken against the officials found responsible.
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