Maharashtra News: SHRC Intervenes After Police Refuse To File FIR Against Rape Victim’s Husband, Son & Brother-In-Law

A Raigad-based woman had approached the Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) after local police allegedly refused to register her complaint against her husband, son, and brother-in-law for sexually assaulting her.

The SHRC, after receiving the complaint, repeatedly sought explanations from the police. The authorities later informed the commission that a case of rape and other offences under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) had been registered against the accused.

In her complaint to the SHRC, a copy of which is with FPJ, the woman alleged that police officers had failed to take cognizance of her complaint. She also alleged that multiple officers had abused her over time.

The SHRC’s order reads, “This complaint has also been addressed to the then Chief Minister of Maharashtra. The complainant has stated that her husband, son, and brother-in-law sexually abused her, raped her, and threatened to make a video of the sexual assault viral. She has made serious allegations against them in her complaint.”

Following the complaint, the SHRC directed authorities to conduct a fact-finding inquiry and submit a report. According to the commission, the Superintendent of Police (SP), Raigad, submitted his findings, stating that the complainant’s application was received on August 26, 2024.

The SP’s report detailed the course of action taken by the police, confirming that on November 15, 2024, a case was registered at Karjat Police Station under IPC Sections 376(d) (gang rape), 324 (voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 504 (intentional insult), and 500 (defamation). Subsequently, on November 24, 2024, the case was transferred to Rasayani Police Station, where further investigation is being conducted by Assistant Police Inspector Pramod Jadhav.

The commission stated that since the case had been registered and legal proceedings had begun, it could no longer interfere in the investigation. “It is now crystal clear that the law has taken its own course, and an offense has been registered under serious penal provisions of the IPC. The commission cannot interfere in the ongoing investigation or any further legal proceedings,” the SHRC observed.

When FPJ contacted Sanjay Bangar, a police officer attached to Rasayani Police Station, he confirmed the registration of the case but declined to provide further details.