‘Rape victim’ alleges threat by accused

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 3

Claiming to be a rape victim, a minor and her parents have moved the Punjab and Haryana High Court alleging issuance of the threats by the accused for a compromise in the matter. Taking note of the allegations, Justice Jasgurpreet Singh Puri has directed the Ludhiana Commissioner of Police to assess the threat perception of the petitioners before taking necessary steps, if required, in accordance with the law. For the purpose, Justice Puri set a four-day deadline.

In the petition filed through counsel Sarvesh Kumar Gupta, the petitioners had alleged “immense threat”, including the warning that the victim’s other sisters would also be raped and killed if a compromise was not reached.

Gupta told the court that the FIR was registered on July 5 for rape and criminal intimidation under Sections 376 and 506 of the Indian Penal Code and the provisions of the POCSO Act at the Moti Nagar police station in Ludhiana district. He submitted that even though the FIR was registered alleging rape, action was not taken by the police in this regard. Rather, the accused and another person were threatening the petitioners. The state counsel, during the hearing, said the accused had already been arrested.