Kolkata police officer accused of assaulting suspended civic volunteer, lodged FIR – Kolkata News

A Kolkata police officer has been charged for assaulting a woman civic volunteer posted at the same police station. The woman accused the officer of touching her inappropriately and said police declined to press charges.

According to the woman, the incident took place on the night of October 4 when she was on duty at the Park Street police station, where sub-inspector Abhishek Roy was stationed. In her complaint, the woman claimed that Roy called her to the washroom around 1:10 am and gave her a salwar suit as a gift for Durga Puja.

The police officer then tried to make advances towards her and touched her inappropriately, she claimed. When the woman resisted, the officer, who she said appeared to be intoxicated, attempted to exert force on her.

She also mentioned an incident involving Roy on September 25, in which he allegedly made a similar advance while intoxicated, which she chose not to report at the time.

The woman claimed to have informed the officer on duty at the police station about the police officer’s behavior, but he downplayed the incident. His brother also came to the police station and tried to file a complaint, but the duty officer offered to settle the matter verbally.

The woman then sent copies of her complaint to senior officials, including the West Bengal Home Minister and the Commissioner of Police, following which an investigation was initiated.

An FIR was registered under Section 74 (use of criminal force or assault on woman with intent to outrage her modesty) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) Priyobroto Roy said the accused police officer had been “discharged” pending the outcome of a departmental investigation. As “put on duty”, the police officer is dismissed from his duties. However, he still receives his monthly salary, which is in stark contrast to a suspended officer.

“The matter is being investigated thoroughly,” DCP Roy said. “We are also looking at the role of the officer on duty at the time of the incident.”

An investigation has been opened and video surveillance images from the police station are being examined.