CRPF orders Court of Inquiry in Dantewada molestation case

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) on Wednesday said a Court of Inquiry was ordered in the molestation case which surfaced in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district.

Few CRPF troopers were blamed for allegedly molesting school girls during Raksha Bandhan function on August 7 in Palnar village of Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district.

D.S. Chauhan, Inspector General of Police, CRPF said that as a policy, CRPF does not tolerate this kind of conduct and has a policy of zero tolerance to such acts by any member of the Force.

He further said that as soon as the matter was brought to his notice, he spoke to District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police, Dantewada and told them to register an FIR and order a magisterial inquiry consisting of lady magistrate.

The IG CRPF said that two delinquent constables were immediately placed under suspension after the girl students identified them during inquiry.

He further said that one constable who was present was handed over to Police by CRPF for arrest and criminal prosecution while the other who is absconding will be apprehended soon.

A warrant has been issued against the absconding CRPF personnel.

Few CRPF troopers were blamed for allegedly molesting school girls during Raksha Bandhan function. When the programme concluded, few school girls were allegedly molested in the toilet of a government-run Ashram in Palnar.

An FIR in this case was registered by Chhattisgarh Police on Tuesday and investigation is underway. The CRPF has also been investigating the matter.

Sundarraj P, Deputy Inspector General of Police, Baster, told ANI that the accused CRPF jawans are being interrogated.

"Strong action will be taken against those who will be found guilty, further investigation is underway." said Sundarraj.