HC asks Satara SP to file affidavit on probe in rape case

Emphasising the need to sensitise police in handling cases of offences against women, the Bombay High Court today directed Satara district superintendent of police to file an affidavit on investigation conducted in a rape case of a minor girl.
Justice Sadhana Jadhav was hearing a bail plea filed by a person arrested for raping a 16-year-old girl at Karad in Satara district in August this year on the pretext of securing her a job.
On the last two hearings in September, the Karad police had told the court that it was yet to record the statement of the victim, but additional public prosecutor S R Shinde, while going through the case papers, found the statement of the victim recorded on August 20 itself.

When informed about this, Justice Jadhav said, "The investigating officer has attempted to mislead the court on several occasions. Police needs to be sensitised while dealing with cases where crime has been committed against a woman."
The court directed the superintendent of police of Satara district to file an affidavit by October 4, giving details of the investigation conducted in the case.
On August 16, the victim's mother had lodged a missing complaint with the Karad police. The same evening, the police arrested two men and booked them for raping and kidnapping the victim. The men were also charged under the Prevention of Sexual Offences Against Children Act.