Gurgaon police form SIT to probe rape allegation against SHO, claims of assault on officers

According to the police, the complainant, a lawyer, was brought to the police station on May 21 in connection with a domestic dispute involving a couple and their in-laws. She was representing the man in the case.

The matter was initially reported at the Women’s Police Station in Sector 51 before being transferred to the area police station for further action. On May 22, the advocate filed a complaint with the Delhi Police, following which a medical examination was carried out, and a report filed.

A Zero First Information Report (FIR) was lodged the next day, alleging sexual assault, outraging of modesty, and rape by police officers handling her case. The Delhi Police transferred the FIR to their counterparts in Gurgaon for investigation.

Complainant’s Zero FIR

In her Zero FIR, the advocate alleged that she was illegally detained for nine hours at the police station since the evening of May 21, subjected to verbal abuse, and sexually assaulted. Speaking to The Indian Express, she claimed the SHO taunted her, stating she was in Gurgaon, not Delhi, and unaware of his authority.

“I am still traumatised and have not been able to join the investigation. I have received threats and compromise calls, but I will pursue this case to its logical conclusion. The police have neither arrested nor suspended the accused officials,” she said.

Gurgaon police’s version

In a written complaint, a head constable alleged that on May 21, around 6.15 pm, the advocate assaulted her, and disrupted the police proceedings. According to the head constable, the advocate and her client — the man she was representing in the domestic dispute — were brought to the police station after an altercation following their counselling, and released from the women’s police station.

While the head constable was mediating in the women’s cell, the advocate allegedly came in, slapped the woman involved in the dispute, and then attacked the head constable by grabbing her throat, slapping her, and pushing her off a chair. When an assistant sub-inspector intervened, the advocate allegedly misbehaved with her as well.

The police said the situation escalated when the SHO arrived, facing verbal abuse and threats from the advocate, who reportedly boasted of her influence as a lawyer, threatened to shut down the police station, and vowed to ruin the head constable’s career.

Based on the police’s complaint, a case was registered against the advocate under Sections 221, 121(1), 132, and 351(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for assault, obstructing public servants, and criminal intimidation. Following Supreme Court guidelines in Arnesh Kumar vs State of Bihar, the advocate was included in the investigation.

A Gurgaon police spokesperson said several private individuals present at the police station during the incident have been listed as witnesses, and CCTV footage has been secured. The spokesperson said the advocate underwent a medical examination, and was handed over to other lawyers in sound condition, as documented by a written acknowledgement.