Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, October 7, 2024, Calcutta: In a shocking incident that has raised serious questions about safety and conduct within the police force, a sub-inspector from the Park Street police station has been arrested on charges of molesting a civic volunteer. The case, which comes amid a wave of recent incidents of violence and harassment, has sparked widespread outrage and concern regarding the safety of women in the city.
The accused sub-inspector was apprehended following a complaint from the civic volunteer, who alleged that he molested her during a clothing distribution event organized by the police in the Park Street area. According to reports, the incident occurred when the volunteer was called into the sub-inspector’s rest room under the pretense of receiving new clothes for the upcoming Puja celebrations. It is alleged that during this interaction, the officer inappropriately touched her, constituting an act of molestation.
The arrest of a police officer on such serious charges has intensified scrutiny of the law enforcement agency’s integrity and the safety measures in place for women in Calcutta. The incident raises alarming questions: if a civic volunteer can face such behavior within the confines of a police station, what does this mean for the broader community?
Former police chief Arindam Acharya commented on the situation, stating, “If the police, who are supposed to ensure safety during Puja celebrations, engage in such misconduct, what hope do we have for public safety?” He noted that multiple complaints have been lodged against police personnel recently, and although some actions have been taken, the persistence of such behavior is troubling.
The sub-inspector is set to be presented in Alipore court as investigations continue. The case has reignited discussions about police accountability and the urgent need for reforms to protect vulnerable individuals who seek assistance from law enforcement.
As the investigation unfolds, community leaders and citizens alike are calling for swift justice and a thorough examination of police practices to restore trust and ensure the safety of all citizens, particularly women, in the city.