Delhi court directs police to complete probe into sexual assault complaint against Nagina MP Chandrashekhar Azad Ravan by October 23: Details

Delhi court directs police to complete inquiry into sexual assault complaint against Nagina MP Chandrashekhar Azad Ravan by October 23: Details
MP Chandrashekhar Azad (Image via Wiki & ETV Bharat)

A Delhi court has directed the concerned Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) to complete an inquiry into a sexual assault complaint against Nagina MP Chandrashekhar Azad Ravan before the next hearing on October 23. The court also rejected Delhi Police’s request for another two to three months to complete the preliminary probe.

The order was passed by Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) Neha Mittal at the Rouse Avenue Court. The court issued a formal notice to the DCP, asking the officer to ensure that the inquiry is completed and the report is submitted before the next date of hearing.

Woman moves court after FIR not registered

The complaint was filed by Rohini Ghavari Valmiki, who approached Delhi Police at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport. She accused Chandrashekhar Azad of sexual assault in exchange for a promise of marriage and also filed a complaint of cheating. The woman said that police did not register an FIR following her complaint, even after she had provided evidence and call recordings. She then approached the Rouse Avenue Court, seeking directions for registration of a case against the Bhim Army chief and Nagina MP Chandrashekhar Azad, under the relevant legal provisions.

Police sought more time

During the earlier hearing, the court had sought a status report from Delhi Police on the progress of the inquiry. Police later submitted a report explaining the steps taken so far.

However, the police requested another two to three months to complete the preliminary inquiry, but the request was opposed by the complainant’s lawyer, Advocate Ashish Dass.

Dass told the court that judicial precedents require prompt action in cases involving offences punishable with more than seven years in prison. He also pointed out that rape carries a minimum punishment of 10 years.

Court refers to BNSS provision

While refusing to give more time, the court noted that the offence mentioned in the complaint is punishable with life imprisonment. The judge said Section 173(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) does not apply in such a case and, therefore, there is no scope for a preliminary inquiry.

Section 173(3) allows police to conduct a preliminary inquiry in certain cases where the offence carries a punishment of three years or more but less than seven years.

The matter will now be heard again on October 23, by which time the court has directed the police to complete the inquiry and submit the report.

Written by OpIndia Staff
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