Shahu Nagar cop on duty did not visit crime spot

MUMBAI: An internal inquiry ordered against police officers of Dharavi and Shahu Nagar police stations for allegedly turning away a 21-year-old molestation survivor revealed that the inspector on night duty at Shahu Nagar did not even visit the crime spot.

The report, however, is yet to be submitted to police commissioner Rakesh Maria. “A junior inspector from Shahu Nagar police station visited the spot,” said a police officer privy to the investigation.

The woman police officer, who had reportedly commented on the survivor’s clothes, denied the allegations. “The officer did question the couple about where they had gone and why they entered in a slum,” the officer said, adding that these are obvious questions that are asked while recording a statement.

The inquiry is being conducted to ascertain how the police officers concerned reacted after being informed about the incident. “The couple first approached the Dharavi police. The officers there didn’t register a FIR, but they helped the victims and took them to the spot in a police vehicle. They also dropped them at Shahu Nagar police station,”the officer said.

Deputy commissioner of police Mahesh Patil, who is heading the inquiry, said the report will be submitted soon.

According to the police, early on Sunday, the woman, a Lower Parel resident, and her friend were went near the Bandra railway station in search of a cigarette shop. They were approached by three men, who offered to help. The couple were taken to an isolated place in Shastri Nagar and allegedly molested the girl.

The complainant said he was heading towards south Mumbai, but took a left turn and went inside the slum where he was waylaid.