**Bhubaneswar:** In the wake of the increase in the number of sexual assault cases on minor girls in Odisha, DGP RP Sharma informed that the trend is extremely disturbing and shameful for any civilized society. This calls for serious introspection by one and all.
“An analysis of the recent sexual assaults which has taken place in the month of April, 2018 in Odisha was made and it was found that in 92.5% cases the offenders were either relatives / acquaintances of the victims or known to them and belong to the same locality or community. This makes it very challenging for the police and it is extremely difficult to prevent such occurrences,” observed DGP Sharma.
He further said, “The criminal justice system needs to be geared up in order to meet these challenges. The rate of conviction has increased to 38.5% in 2018 from 17% in 2017. This could be possible by improving the quality of investigation and close monitoring of prosecution during trial. A holistic approach of prompt investigation, arrest of accused persons and early filing of charge sheets followed by close monitoring of prosecution and increase in the rate of conviction will be a great deterrent.”
Addressing to a media persons here in the State Police Headquarters, DGP Mishra pointed out that the problem can be mitigated by launching a massive awareness campaign in the society involving all stake holders like police, appropriate agencies of administration, NGOs, community organizations, civil society, teaching community in the educational institutions from primary to college level at the same time.
Keeping in view the recent rising trend of sexual assaults on minor girls, a comprehensive review was made by DGP Sharma to further sharpen police action and to address the daunting challenge. A video conference with all SPs, Range DIGs, IGs along with senior staff officers was taken by DGP in the State Police Headquarters on 24th April in the State Police Headquarters in which a threadbare discussion was made on the recent sexual assault crimes and a comprehensive strategy was evolved to combat the pervading menace.
Elaborate and exhaustive instructions have been issued by DGP to bring a sense of ‘urgency’ and ‘holistic approach’ with deadline for the investigating officers and supervising officers at all levels to comply with.
Urgency means prompt registration of cases on receipt of complaint written /oral irrespective of jurisdiction, medical examination and recording of statement of victim under 164 CrPC within 24 hours, prompt in investigation and arrest of accused persons and expeditious trial of the cases in the Court while closely following of trial by appointment of Special Public Prosecutors and Holding Investigating Officers.
On a positive note, DGP Sharma said, “It is heartening that in all the sexual assault cases reported, accused of around 70% cases were arrested within 24 hours and at the same time, without any delay in other cases. Detailed instruction have also been issued for foolproof and quality investigation and making the case watertight in the court of law for ensuring conviction.
DGP stressed upon co-ordination and synergy at horizontal level i.e investigators, supervisors, prosecutors as well as vertical level such as police stations, SDPO office, SP office, IUCAW, Range Office and Crime Branch.
In a signing off note, DGP Sharma said, “Our commitment and endeavour is to make Odisha one of the most leading and model State in combating this menace in our country.”
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