JAMMU, June 6: In a major disciplinary action, four police personnel, including a Station House Officer (SHO), have been suspended for their alleged involvement in attempting to broker a compromise in a case registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Official sources said the action followed serious allegations that the officials tried to influence the course of the investigation by facilitating an out-of-court settlement in the sensitive case. Such compromises are not permissible under the provisions of the POCSO Act and are considered a serious breach of legal and professional obligations.
The suspended officials include the concerned SHO and three other policemen posted at the same police unit. Senior police authorities have ordered a departmental inquiry to examine the circumstances surrounding the alleged attempt at compromise and to determine whether any procedural violations were committed.
Police officials reiterated their commitment to ensuring justice in offences involving children, asserting that there would be zero tolerance towards any form of misconduct within the force. They maintained that strict action would be taken against any officer found guilty of dereliction of duty or abuse of authority.
The incident has attracted considerable attention due to the sensitive nature of POCSO cases, which require investigations to be conducted with transparency, fairness and accountability, without any scope for negotiated settlements.
Further investigation into the matter is in progress, and additional action may be initiated depending on the outcome of the departmental probe.(KNC)
