`Torture’ — Cases yet to be registered against policemen

The policemen are accused of booking an employee of Jhalawar court, Sandhya Bhardwaj, in false case and torturing her at the instance of the district judge whom Sandhya had charged with sexual harassment.

She alleged that when she resisted the advances of the judge, Dutta and Bhargav picked her up from her residence and took her to the police station, where they tortured and molested her and booked her for vagrancy.

While the inquiry confirmed Sandhya’s charge about the policemen taking her away house and booking her in a false case, there has so far been no evidence that would confirm her charges of and molestation, sources said.

The High Court is holding an inquiry into the charges against the district judge who has also been requisitioned to Jaipur, where he is awaiting further orders. CI Rajiv Dutta and SO Ashish Bhargav have also been called to police headquarters at Jaipur. Further action would be taken after the inquiry finally establishes their guilt or innocence.

A delegation of women and human rights activists met Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and the state Home Minister yesterday and pressed for the immediate suspension of the two police officers and registration of criminal cases against them. “If the government wants to instill faith and confidence among the people, it should not hesitate to take firm action against the culprits,” the activists said.

The activists, who are demanding that Sandhya be compensated for defamation and torture, said they would approach the National Women’s Commission and the National Human Rights Commission and request them bring pressure onthe state government for prompt and proper action.