FIR On Cops If They Don’t File A Woman’s Complaint: UP DGP

In recent years, cases of crimes against women in UP are taking over national headlines. Another issue that has become a national concern is non-reportage of these cases by the UP Police. Many incidences have come to light where complainants have accused police of not filing First Information Reposts (FIRs).  To deal with this issue of non-reportage of cases, Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP), O.P. Singh has cautioned police officers that if they deny FIRs to complainants then authorities will take strict action against those cops, India Today reports.

Many incidences have come to light where complainants have accused police of not filing First Information Reposts (FIRs).

Whether it is the Unnao rape case or the recent Chinmayanand sexual harassment case, the survivors in both these cases have claimed that their complaints weren’t registered until media picked them up. These are just a few cases that grabbed national attention, however, it has been alleged that there are several such cases that never get reported because the police refuse to.

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A circular has been released by the higher authorities warning station in-charge against refusal to file FIRs. In case of a woman filing FIR and the cop refuses to, then an FIR under section 166A of the IPC will be filed against the officers. IG (Law and order), Praveen Kumar told the media that these circulars, which will also have the phone numbers of higher authorities, will be posted outside every police station. He adds that in case the FIR is not filed in a certain case then the woman complainant can directly approach the higher officials.

A circular has been released by the higher authorities warning station in-charge against refusal to file FIRs.

This action by the DGP has come after a Mathura-based couple set themselves ablaze alleging inaction by cops of Surir Police Station after they filed a complaint accusing some village bigwigs of harassment. Police filed the FIR after the incident and the guilty police officer was suspended immediately after, however, police are still probing the involvement of the convicted cop in the case.

Picture credit- EU Law Analysis

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