Delhi:
In yet another incident of police callousness in the Capital, the cops allegedly refused to lodge an FIR regarding molestation. The victim, a 49-year-old interior designer, was reportedly molested and beaten up inside a famous South Delhi pub by three vagabonds on July 4.
A resident of Saket area in South Delhi, she had gone to 'Tonic', where the incident took place at around 9.45pm. While she was waiting for her friends, three inebriated persons approached her and tried to engage her in a conversation.
"When I brushed them aside, they got angry and started arguing with me. There were no bouncers inside the pub so I went outside to call the security guard. I was amazed to see that no security guard was deployed at the bar," she said.
She also alleged that the accused then slapped and molested her. "I ran outside and made a call to the police control room (PCR). The PCR van came but instead of taking any action against the accused, the policemen started scolding me. They said there was no reason to call the PCR".
As the police refused to lodge an FIR, the woman called up her lawyer. He advised her to get a medical test done. She then called her daughter to the pub, who took her to the AIIMS trauma centre. The test was finally done. She claimed her hands were badly bruised because of rough handling by the doctors.
"The PCR van and cops accompanying me disappeared after the medical examination. I then reached Hauz Khas police station myself". The tale of harassment did not end even then, as the cops allegedly questioned her about a man accompanying her.
Finally, an FIR was registered under Section 509 (outraging modesty of a woman) of IPC at 3 am, said the victim. The FIR, however, mentioned the time of reporting as 10.15pm. Also, they did not give a copy to the victim till the next day, citing technical reasons.
Three people have been arrested in connection with the case and an identification parade is likely to take place soon. "The police did not take any action against the bar owner for not deploying bouncers and security guards. I will drag the management of the establishment to court," said the victim.
The bar is owned by the Kwality Group, which also has three other establishments in the same area. "When I reached the pub I discovered that the victim had already lodged a complaint. So, I just informed the Kwality Group Manager about the incident," said Ajay Pundi, the manager of Colour and Spice, who was also looking after Tonic when the incident occurred.
When contacted, Kwality Group manager Anuj Ahuja refused to respond to MiD DAY's queries.
A local police official said the CCTV footage from the pub is being analysed. DCP (south) Chhaya Sharma could not be reached for comments.