Dalit leaders want Uppinangady SI suspended

Dalit leaders want Uppinangady SI suspended

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, March 2, 2016 : Speaking at a SC/ST monthly grievances meeting here on Mar1,  Tuesday, Dalit leader Rajaram said an attempt to sexually assault a minor girl was reported on January 18. In spite of filing a complaint, the police have failed to act against the accused. It was only after the intervention of the childline officials, the Nelyadi outpost police contacted the victim and a police personnel exerted pressure on the minor girl to file a false complaint, he alleged.   Dalit leaders have demanded the suspension of Uppinangady sub-inspector (SI) charging that he has protected an accused in a case related to an attempt to rape a minor.

Social activist Shekar said the SI has failed to discharge his duty. "After 20 days of the incident, the police have filed a petty case against the accused and a fake certificate has been created stating that the accused was mentally ill. A probe should be conducted by an additional superintendent of police (ASP) level officer," he said.

Complaint : The minor girl, who attended the meeting with her mother, filed a complaint before Additional Superintendent of Police Vincent Shanthakumar and sought action against the accused under Pocso Act.

The additional superintendent of police, who chaired the meeting, said that a detailed report on the incident will be sought and explanation will also be sought from the police officer for filing a petty case against the accused when the allegation was attempt to sexually assault a minor. Strict action will be initiated if there is any dereliction of duty by the police officer, he said.

Vigil on cyber cafes  : Dalit leader Narayana Punchame said there is no system to keep a vigil on the visitors to cyber cafe/centres in the district. Without any ID proof, people are allowed to use the internet at a time when instances of cyber crimes are being reported in several parts of the country. A provision to show ID proof to use internet should be made mandatory, he said.

Puttur ASP C B Ryshyanth said a meeting of cyber cafe owners was convened in his sub-division recently and they were informed on the precautionary measures to be taken.

The ID cards should be produced by the user at the cyber cafes before using the internet facility. The act related to cyber crime clearly states that the information on the usage of internet in a particular PC should not be cleared for at least a year. The information on the size of the cubicles in the cafe has also been informed to the owners, the police official clarified.

The additional superintendent of police said that a circular on keeping a vigil on cyber cafes will also be issued to all the police stations.

Ganja sales : Dalit leader Raghuveer Sootarpete said ganja sale is on the rise in Thumbay and Maripalla region and the youth are getting addicted to the drug.

The ASP asked the Bantwal police to conduct a gram sabha in the region and take public into confidence in this regard.

Raghuveer said that there are no guidelines for the PG hostels operating near the colleges in the district. There is a need for proper monitoring to look for any violations pertaining to women’s safety and functioning of these institutions.

The ASP said that he will issue a circular to Bantwal and Puttur division of police to conduct a meeting of the PG accommodation owners.