Fadnavis disputes molestation claims by women cops

Nagpur: A recent incident involving the alleged molestation of a woman police constable during riots in Mahal on March 17 has sparked controversy in Maharashtra. The deputy chairperson of the state legislative council has ordered an immediate investigation into the matter. During a press conference on Saturday, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis claimed that the women officers were only surrounded and stoned by rioters. He disputed the claims of molestation, asserting that no woman police officer faced any inappropriate advances. His remarks created further unrest, especially since an FIR filed at Ganeshpeth police station presented conflicting details about the incident. The FIR detailed that a woman head constable was targeted by a group of rioters in a dimly lit area. It stated she was touched inappropriately and efforts were made to disrobe her. Other women police officers were also harassed with obscene gestures and comments. In response to media inquiries, Fadnavis highlighted that preliminary investigations by Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravinder Singal found no evidence of molestation, only that the officers were attacked with stones. This has raised legal questions about the handling of the case and if authorities are downplaying the harassment. Legal experts noted that the involvement of serious charges such as outraging modesty and making obscene gestures indicates a level of victimization. They criticized the police for suggesting the charges should be dropped if they are not substantiated. As of now, around 70 individuals have been arrested and presented to a special court dealing with cases of violence against women.