Brinda seeks early action on Manipuri playwright complaint

"I have already instructed the Commissioner of Police to do the inquiry. It is in writing. As per the inquiry, they would take action. As for as the constable is concerned, if he deserved disciplinary action, it would be taken", DG and IGP, Lalrokhuma Pachuau told reporters after a delegation led by CPI-M leader Brinda Karat met him along with the playwright Swar Thounojum.

Pachuau said with regard to public, whom the Manipur playwright has accused of harassing her sexually, those identified would be interrogated.

"She has filed a criminal case. As per the provisions laid down in Cr PC., it would be done. Whether the allegations are true has to be inquired. Anyone can make allegations. An inquiry need not be one sided. Video footage installed at the traffic junction where the accident took place would also be viewed", he said.

"Basing on one person's statement or evidence, without corroborative evidence, action cannot be taken", Pachuau said.

After the meeting with members of All India Democratic Women's Association, Tounojum said she was disappointed with the pace of probe and so far police have not recorded her statement.

Deputy Commissioner of Traffic Mahadevaiah has said the onus to prove that she was sexually harassed and criminally intimated rested with her.

She said Pachuau has promised to look into her complaint on receiving a report from the City Police Commissioner.

Brinda termed the December five incident in which the 32-year-old Thounojum was allegedly molested by a mob and manhandled by a constable as "outrageous and appalling".

She urged the police to strongly act against such sexual harassment.

"Unfortunately, the kind of abuse she was subjected to did include remarks of racist nature", Brinda said responding to a query whether the region from which the victim hailed was responsible for such an attack.