FIRs to leave out victims’ names in rape, Pocso cases: Karnataka police

Bengaluru: The state police hereafter are strictly advised not to mention the real names of victims in rape and Protection of Children Against Sexual Offences Act (Pocso) cases, says a circular from the director general and inspector general of police, MA Saleem.The circular states, "In the FIR, the real names of the victims must not be recorded. Only the substituted names or initials shall be mentioned clearly, along with a note stating that the names were changed."
According to Saleem, the Supreme Court earlier clearly mentioned that, under any circumstances, names or other details of victims in rape and Pocso cases should not be revealed. "It is observed that station house officers (SHO) and investigating officers are still disclosing the names, addresses and other details of the victims in the FIRs and other investigation reports, thereby failing to maintain confidentiality," Saleem said.According to the guidelines, original complaints can contain the real names, addresses and other details of women and minors. After receiving the complaint, the SHO or investigating officer must assign a substitute name or initials, replacing the originals. "The original complaint, along with details of the substituted names, must be submitted to the courts in a sealed cover. All further proceedings shall be conducted using the substitute name or initials," the circular read.Other key points:Statements of witnesses recorded during the investigation may contain the real name of the victim for official purposes. Such statements shall be kept in a sealed coverIn the chargesheet, details containing the real identity, addresses and other details of the victims may be included for framing charges against the accusedA separate chargesheet copy with substituted names or initials must be prepared. The court shall be requested to provide the redacted copy to the accused and the prosecution