Special Public Prosecutor To Be Appointed During Trial Of Minor Rape Cases: DGP

Cuttack: Director General of Police (DGP) Rajendra Prasad Sharma on Wednesday announced the decision of Odisha Police for appointing a special public prosecutor and investigating officer during trial of cases pertaining to minor rape.

In a press conference here, the DGP said, “A particular investigating officer will be assigned the responsibility and accountability to coordinate with the court during trial and ensure presence of witnesses timely and also ensure that all the expert reports are available in time and are produced in court in time during the trial.”

“A study conducted by the crime branch has revealed that in 92.5 percent cases of minor rape, the criminal is either the relative of the victim or he is from her neighbourhood or he is in acquaintance from the belonging to the same locality or community and the victims also know them”, Sharma said.

In 70 percent cases, the culprits were arrested within 24 hours of the reporting and the arrests have been made within 72 hours of the report lodged in police station in 81 percent cases. The other actions like sending the victim and accused for medical examination, recording the statements under 164 CrPC and collection of evidence have been taken promptly, Sharma added.

Highlighting that the police have already been treating the rape cases of minor girls as red flag cases, he further added that police not only take strict action but also collect the prima facie evidence, examine the witnesses, submit chargesheet in the cases as soon as possible.

On Tuesday, the DGP had asked all the SPs, in a video conference, to submit the chargesheet relating to such cases preferably within four weeks of the report.