Jalandhar Rape-Murder: Rights Panel Uncovers Grave Police Lapses

The echoes of a horrifying crime in Jalandhar have grown louder, not just from the tragedy itself, but from serious questions now being asked about the very people tasked with bringing justice. Imagine the heartbreak of losing a child, compounded by the grim realization that the initial investigation into her rape and murder might have been severely mishandled. That's precisely what the Punjab State Commission for Scheduled Castes has unearthed, pointing to what they've called "serious chinks" in the police probe into the brutal death of a 14-year-old Dalit girl.

At the heart of these alarming findings is Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Sanjeev Kumar, who, it seems, truly dropped the ball—or worse. The commission's report pulls no punches, detailing how the ASI allegedly violated fundamental protocols right from the get-go. Instead of immediately recording the young victim's statement at the hospital, as procedure demands, he apparently waited for her father to arrive. A critical delay, wouldn't you say, especially when time is of the essence in such a grave situation?

But the issues didn't stop there. The panel's inquiry reveals that the initial First Information Report (FIR) wasn't even registered under the appropriate, severe sections like rape (376 IPC) or murder (302 IPC). Instead, it was filed under much milder charges, such as kidnapping (363 IPC) and inducing a minor for marriage (366 IPC). This downgrade in charges, right at the start, is perplexing and, frankly, quite disturbing. What's more, there was a shocking failure to ensure a proper medico-legal report (MLR) was carried out promptly, and the victim's parents or family members were apparently kept in the dark throughout crucial stages. It paints a picture, frankly, of negligence at best, or perhaps something far more unsettling.

The victim, a young girl from the Dalit community, was already vulnerable, and her identity adds another painful dimension to this whole saga. Her family, no doubt reeling from their loss, now faces the added burden of fighting for a fair investigation. This isn't just about one officer; it's about the trust people, particularly marginalized communities, place in the system to protect them and deliver justice.

The commission, clearly unimpressed by the police's handling, didn't hold back. They've not only recommended immediate departmental action against ASI Sanjeev Kumar but have also referred the entire matter to the Director General of Police (DGP) for a comprehensive review and further necessary action. They’ve asked for an updated report, underscoring their commitment to seeing this through. Moreover, the panel has pushed for appropriate compensation for the distraught family, a small measure, perhaps, but a recognition of the immense suffering they’ve endured.

Ultimately, this entire episode serves as a stark reminder of why meticulous procedure and unwavering integrity are non-negotiable in law enforcement, especially when dealing with such heinous crimes. The fight for justice for this young girl and her family continues, and it’s now clear that the path to accountability involves scrutinizing those who were meant to serve and protect. This is a call for transparency, for diligence, and for ensuring that such profound lapses never, ever happen again.