[Rape of minors] Calcutta High Court seeks suggestions on higher police officials who can supervise probe

The Calcutta High Court on Monday asked for recommendations of higher police officers who could be made responsible for the supervision of investigations into the rape of minor girls in the State [Sumitra Bhattacharyya (Neogi) v. the State of West Bengal]..A Bench of Chief Justice Prakash Shrivastava and Justice Rajarshi Bharadwaj was hearing a public interest litigation petition (PIL) filed by practicing advocates of the High Court bringing to light two recent incidents of rape of minor girls..In one of the petitions, the issue of the gang rape and brutal torture of an 11-year-old girl at Nehalpur village was raised. The survivor was not only raped, but a stick was allegedly pierced into her genitals, leading to her intestine being ruptured.In the other petition, the issue of a minor girl's rape within the jurisdiction of English Bazar Police Station was highlighted. In this case, it was alleged that one of the neighbours tied the survivor's hands and feet, raised a firearm and committed sexual assault on her.In both the cases, the petitioner apprehended that a fair investigation would not take place.The petitioners also alleged that incidents of sexual violence against women were increasing in the State, and in the last fifteen days, as many as eleven such incidents of rape on minor girls had taken place. .On the last date of hearing, the Court had direct Advocate General SN Mookherjee to submit a report detailing the status of the investigations along with the case diary. The State had also been directed to produce a report on the medical condition of the victim.s.During the hearing on Monday, the Advocate General produced a report in compliance with the Court's directions. The report indicated that the 11-year-old victim suffered multiple injuries and was found in a critical condition. It stated that a special medical board had been formed for the treatment of the victim, who was in the paediatric Intensive Care Unit (ICU).As per the report, a team of five officers had been formed to supervise the investigation. However, the statement of the victim under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) had not been recorded. The AG submitted that the statements were yet to be recorded on account of the victim's critical condition. He also said that the same would depend on the permission of the medical board.In relation to the Court's direction seeking a medical report of the victim, the AG assured the Court that the same would be placed on record within two days..The Court thus adjourned the matter to April 12, while directing the petitioners to submit suggestions of higher officers within the police department who could also be made responsible for supervision of the investigation..Advocates Rajdip Ray, Monotosh Bhattacharya, Kuldeep Rai and Mousomee Shome appeared for the petitioner. .[Read Order]