Police abuse case: Women, infant illegally detained

Raipur | Correspondent: Dr. Kiranmayi Nayak, Chairperson of the Chhattisgarh State Commission for Women, has adopted a stern stance against police personnel posted at the Pipariya Police Station in the Kabirdham district during a public hearing. Taking cognizance of a grave complaint, the Commission found that a constable within the department along with his wife misused their official positions to keep a female neighbor, her daughter-in-law, and an innocent infant merely four months old behind bars for two months.

Terming this a gross abuse of power and authority associated with the uniform, the Commission has directed the State Police Accountability Authority to submit a detailed investigation report within one month. Furthermore, it has recommended to the Director General of Police (DGP) that punitive action be initiated against the police personnel involved.

During the 179th public hearing held in Raipur, sharp questions were also raised regarding the functioning of the Bhilai Steel Plant (BSP) management. Reprimanding the management, the Commission stated that BSP must cease providing protection to employees who are shirking their responsibilities regarding the maintenance and support of their wives and children.

In one specific instance, the Commission deemed the management's silence regarding an employee's illicit relationships and his neglect of his family as a violation of women's rights.

Additionally, the Commission ensured prompt action in cases involving property disputes. Orders were issued to the Tehsil administration to facilitate the transfer of property titles, thereby securing the ancestral rights of a widow's daughters; meanwhile, in a dispute concerning compensation under the Bharatmala Project, the Commission recommended that the Collector immediately freeze transactions in the relevant bank account.

In another family dispute, the Commission clarified that a divorce executed solely on stamp paper is legally invalid and advised the aggrieved woman to file a First Information Report (FIR) against her in-laws.