Chavan promises strict action against cops

Reacting to the outrage over the arrest of Shaheen Dhada and Rinu Srinivas over a Facebook post, CM Prithviraj Chavan on Tuesday promised strict action against cops responsible once the inquiry into the matter establishes they erred.

Following public outrage, the Chief Minister's Office late Monday evening said the state had ordered an inquiry by Konkan Range Inspector General of Police and asked him to submit a report by Wednesday on the nature of the offence and circumstances leading to the arrest of the two women. "Strict action will be taken against defaulting personnel, in case a default is established in the enquiry," he said.

Sources said despite advice given to the local police officer against application of Section 66 of the IT Act, action was taken against the girls. The officer was advised by his senior not to register a criminal case. Senior officials admitted the case did not merit the sections applied, and legal opinion soughtwould prove it.

Police said in all likelihood, a C summary report might be filed stating there was no evidence against the two. Once this is done, the women would have legal recourse to seek action against officers who registered the case against them.

PCI Chairman Markandey Katju had termed the police action "absurd" and in a mail to Chavan said "this arrest appears to be a criminal act since under sections 341, 342 it is a crime to wrongfully arrest... or confine someone who has committed no crime." Chavan wrote back, "Appropriate action against persons responsible for the arrest will be taken upon getting the inquiry report of the Inspector General of Police, Konkan Range."

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