Amroha SHO suspended over ‘illegal detention, extortion’ in ‘false’ rape case

Bijnor: The station house officer (SHO) of Rahra police station in Amroha district was suspended on Saturday following allegations of illegal detention and mishandling of an extortion case linked to a false rape accusation.The action came after a complaint filed on Thursday by Ramdas, a labourer from Parora village, who alleged that Jitendra, a farmer, along with a woman who works as a labourer for him, and an associate, threatened to implicate him in a false rape case. According to the complaint, Ramdas was picked up by the police on March 20 and allegedly detained for over 24 hours without legal grounds. He further claimed that he was released only after being forced to pay Rs 1.35 lakh to Jitendra under the guise of a "settlement".Following the complaint, an inquiry was conducted by the circle officer of Hasanpur. The probe revealed inconsistencies in the woman's statements. She had initially accused another man of rape on March 12, but named Ramdas as the accused the following day. The inquiry also substantiated the allegations of extortion raised by the complainant.Taking note of the findings, superintendent of police Amit Kumar Anand ordered action against the erring officials. "A case is being registered against both the woman and Jitendra. SHO Brijesh Kumar has been suspended and departmental proceedings have been initiated against him," he said.