The Allahabad High Court has taken suo motu cognisance of the incident of brutal rape of a police woman in a train going to Ayodhya.
A letter petition has been presented by Ram Kaushik, Advocate, espousing the cause of the prosecutrix and giving the details of the gruesome incident and the injuries suffered by the victim.
Ram Kaushik, Advocate, espousing the cause of the prosecutrix has also requested for taking suo moto cognisance in the matter of gruesome gangrape of victim, who was on duty, inside Saryu Express in the intervening night of 30/31.08.2023 by some unknown assailants.
Ram Kaushik has submitted that according to media reports, the alleged incident was brought to light when certain passengers boarded Saryu Express from Ayodhya Junction at about 4:00 am.
He further submitted that the victim was found in a deplorable state, in a pool of blood, unable to move herself with a deep cut on her face and injuries.
He also submitted that based on a written complaint on behalf of the brother of victim FIR u/s 332, 353 and 307 of IPC has been registered.
Ram Kaushik said that looking at the serious as well as physical condition of victim, Sections 376/376D IPC should have also been added in the FIR.
It has been further submitted by Kaushik that the Railway Authorities have completely failed to implement the various safety measures involving fundamental rights of the women. The incident clearly shows the utter violation of the certain provisions of the Indian Railways Act.
Moreover, the Railway Protection Force have also completely failed in discharge of their duties and responsibilities in giving effect to the rules and regulations formulated for the protection of passengers.
He further said that the incident is not only a crime against the victim/ women, but against the entire society and the same destroys the entire psychology of women.
Looking at the seriousness of the matter, the Court thinks it appropriate to direct the office to register this letter as a public interest litigation (criminal).
“Accordingly, Registry to register aforesaid letter as a public interest litigation (criminal).
Issue notice to Union of India through its Secretary, Ministry of Railways/Railway Board, New Delhi; Director General of Railway Protection Force (RPF); State of Uttar Pradesh through its Secretary; Ministry of Home and State Commission for Women, Uttar Pradesh.
At the time of hearing, State counsel shall also place the case diary before the Court. The Investigating Officer is also required to remain present before the Court”, the order reads.