Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (ANK)
Mangaluru, Nov 18: “Police are trying to protect the accused of sexual harassment case of a minor in one of the most reputed institutions in Beltangady,” alleged former police officer and social activist Girish Mattanna.
Addressing media on Saturday November 18, Girish said, “It is said that a 10th standard student was sexually harassed by a teacher in the institution where she is pursuing her education. She was bought to Lady Goschen hospital assuming that she was pregnant and the same was informed to police as per the POCSO act. Women police reportedly took the statement of the minor girl and she revealed the name of physical education teacher Ramesh. Later, the case was transferred to Dharmasthala police station. Police detained Ramesh and interrogated him. He was mentioned as an accused in the FIR. After two days, the police reportedly called one Keshav to the station and mentioned him as an accused in the FIR which leads to suspicions that the police are trying to protect the accused Ramesh in this case.
“In one of the YouTube channels of a journalist, it was claimed that the victim and her mother were made to sit in the police station till midnight for investigation purpose. They even claimed that the SP himself has taken up the investigation. There was violation of POCSO act as the victim or her mother were not supposed to be called to the police station. The statement should have been taken at an unidentified location in the presence of a judge. The police are protecting the accused under the influence of the institution.
“If the police personnel are guilty, they have to be suspended from the positions. Even the media is spreading misinformation and hence cases should be filed against the journalists for conducting discussions and sharing the private information about the victim. This is a serious offence. We will file a complaint to the child welfare department and human rights commission. Why has the accused to be protected? The police need to take action as per the statement of the victim which is their duty. This will clear the doubts of the public,” he said.
During the press conference, Girish showed the clippings of the YouTube channel and also showed the FIR copy which has clearly mentioned Ramesh as an accused and questioned how the name changed to Keshav when the FIR reached Dharmasthala police station.