Made to run for days for rape FIR, woman sets herself on fire; Mohali DC orders probe

Mohali: Allegedly driven to desperation after repeated attempts to get a rape complaint registered failed, a woman set herself on fire outside a police post on Tuesday, raising serious allegations of police inaction. The Mohali district administration later ordered a probe into the incident.According to the woman's family, she had been visiting the police post for several days seeking registration of a rape FIR but was allegedly turned away each time. On Tuesday, she again approached the police along with her brother. He alleged that police personnel scolded them and pushed them out of the premises without registering the FIR.Shortly afterwards, the woman allegedly poured petrol on herself and set herself ablaze outside the police post. She sustained around 70% burn injuries and was initially rushed to the Govt Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Sector 32, Chandigarh. Given her critical condition, she was later referred to PGI, where her condition is serious.Mohali senior superintendent of police Harmandeep Singh Hans said an FIR has now been registered on the woman's complaint and that an inquiry has been assigned to a senior officer of SP rank. "We have registered an FIR on her complaint. As far as the self-immolation attempt is concerned, the episode will be thoroughly investigated before arriving at any conclusion," the SSP said. The survivor's brother alleged that his sister was sexually assaulted by a man and that despite repeated visits, the police delayed registration of the case. He further claimed that on Tuesday, police told them the accused had been summoned to the police post but failed to appear. When the survivor insisted on lodging the FIR, they were allegedly pushed out of the premises.Distressed and humiliated, she then attempted self-immolation outside the police post, he said. Police, however, maintained that CCTV footage of the police post is available and will be examined to verify the allegations.BOX | DC orders enquiryMohali deputy commissioner Komal Mittal has ordered an inquiry into the incident and directed the SSP to conduct a thorough probe. She said strict action must be taken as per law if any negligence on the part of police personnel is established. The DC also directed the civil surgeon to visit PGI to assess the survivor's condition and ensure she receives proper medical care, adding that all necessary assistance must be extended to the victim without delay.
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