URGENT PRESS STATEMENT POLICE REFORMS WATCH Networking with Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI), New Delhi 43, Kalina, Santacruz East, Mumbai - 400 029. l Tel : 98202 26227 Email : policereformswa...@gmail.com l www.humanrightsinititiative.org 22/08/14 URGENT PRESS STATEMENT RE: Recent Molestation case at Bandra and the harrowing experience of the Victim at 3 police stations: Police Reforms Watch and Commonwealth Human Rights Inititiative [CHRI] demands stern action by the Police Commissioner by the erring Police Officers. Just an apology and ordering a departmental enquiry will not do, we demand that the Police Commissioner orders to file a case against the erring officers under Sec 166A [IPC]. An example should be made to send the message to the Police Force that this sort of lapse and apathetic handling will not be tolerated. While it is encouraging that the Mumbai Police Commissioner Shri Rakesh Maria is taking a special interest, apologising, and ordering departmental inquiry - if the Mumbai Police are truly sincere in taking the strictest action, FIRs under Section 166A (IPC) should be registered against the concerned duty officers of Dharavi and Shahu Nagar police stations for refusing to register her complaint. She was complaining of molestation so it falls squarely as refusal to register complaints of gender-based offences and is a punishable offence. An example should be made, by taking punitive action. The police force is embarrassing its leadership: but its hard to blame the Police Chief when in the recent Maharashtra Police Amendment Law -2014, all his powers to command and discipline , transfers and postings are now vested with the Political Executive and Outsiders. But our appeal to the Police Commissioner in this case which is a clear violation of the law , that he should flex his muscles and file a case against the erring officers under Sec 166 A of the IPC or forever accept that he is acquiescing. We now await action from you, Mumbai Police Commissioner, Shri Rakesh Maria. warm regards, Dolphy D'souza Convenor POLICE REFORMS WATCH 09820226227