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The Calcutta High Court has directed the police to add charges under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act to the investigation of the alleged rape and murder of a nine-year-old girl in Jaynagar, West Bengal. This decision follows concerns raised by the court regarding the absence of POCSO charges in the initial investigation, despite indications of sexual assault in the inquest report. Justice Tirthankar Ghosh ordered the immediate inclusion of relevant POCSO sections and the transfer of case records to the special POCSO court in Baruipur. The accused is to be produced before the special court for further instructions.
The court also directed that the post-mortem examination of the deceased be conducted at AIIMS, Kalyani, provided the necessary infrastructure is available. This decision comes after the victim's father requested a post-mortem at a hospital under the Union government's supervision, following the rejection of a police plea to conduct the examination at the Mominpur Police Morgue Hospital by the Magistrate.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage and protests in West Bengal. The child's family members alleged police inaction, claiming that if the police had responded promptly, the child could have been saved. Violence erupted in the Jaynagar area after the girl's body was found, with villagers attacking a police outpost and setting police property on fire. The police used force to control the situation, leading to further clashes. The BJP also staged a demonstration outside the Kultali police station, with police using force to restrain party supporters who attempted to breach barricades.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee broke her silence on the incident, expressing her outrage and demanding that the police register the case under the POCSO Act and ensure the accused receive the death penalty within three months. She emphasized that crime knows no religion or caste, and that strong action must be taken against criminals. The Chief Minister also highlighted the state government's success in securing death sentences for accused in three recent POCSO cases. Despite these pronouncements, the police have faced criticism for their alleged inaction and handling of the situation, adding to the growing tension and unrest in the state.
The Jaynagar child murder case has once again brought the issue of child safety and the protection of children from sexual abuse to the forefront in West Bengal. The court's order to include POCSO charges and conduct the post-mortem at AIIMS are crucial steps towards ensuring a fair and transparent investigation. However, the incident has also highlighted the need for more robust law enforcement mechanisms and a stronger response to such heinous crimes. The incident comes at a time when protests are ongoing over the rape and murder of a doctor at the State-run R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in August, further highlighting the deep-seated issue of violence against women and children in West Bengal.
Source: Add POCSO charges to Jaynagar child murder and rape case, Calcutta HC tells police