DCW Chief Vigil for Justice: Seeking Answers Amid Alleged Rape Case

DCW Chief Vigil for Justice: Swati Maliwal, the head of the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW), spent the night on the premises of a city hospital where a minor girl, allegedly raped by a government officer, is being treated. She claimed that she was denied access to the rape survivor and her mother, accusing the police of engaging in disorderly behavior.

Why the Obstruction to Meeting the Survivor?

Maliwal raised concerns about her inability to meet the 17-year-old girl and her mother. “The actions of the Delhi Police are uncivilized. They are obstructing my meeting with both the girl and her mother. I’m perplexed by what the Delhi Police is trying to conceal from me,” she told the news agency ANI.

She questioned why the DCW chief was not granted the same permission as the chairperson of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), who was allowed to meet the girl’s mother.

Maliwal has been at the hospital since Monday afternoon and vowed not to depart until she had a chance to meet with the survivor of the rape. “I want to ascertain whether she is receiving all the necessary assistance and proper treatment,” she emphasized.

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Accusations Against Deputy Director

According to a senior police official, Premoday Khakha, a deputy director in the Delhi government’s women and child development department, is accused of repeatedly raping the girl between November 2020 and January 2021. The minor had been living with Khakha, a family friend referred to as her maternal uncle, after her father’s passing in October 2020. It is also alleged that Khakha’s wife, Seema Rani, provided abortion pills to terminate the girl’s pregnancy.

Survivor’s Ordeal Comes to Light

The girl returned home with her mother in January 2021, where she experienced panic attacks. Her mother admitted her to a hospital, where the girl, now a 12th-grade student, disclosed the entire incident during counseling. Following interrogation, Khakha and his wife were arrested on Monday.

DCW Chief Vigil for Justice: Formal Requests

In the meantime, DCW has formally requested the Delhi Police to supply a copy of the First Information Report (FIR) as well as details about the arrests. They have also asked for information regarding the actions taken by the Delhi government against the officer. The commission has additionally sought information about any previous complaints against the officer and the corresponding measures taken. Both the Delhi Police and the city government have been instructed to provide their reports by Wednesday.

Action Against Accused Officer

Khakha has been immediately suspended, according to an order issued by Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal instructed the chief secretary to suspend the officer. According to the order, during the suspension period, the officer is prohibited from leaving the department headquarters without prior authorization.