Woman travels 120km after police refuse to register assault case, file non-cognizable report instead

A woman from a remote village in Shahdol district was forced to travel 120 kilometres to the office of the Superintendent of Police after the local police station refused to register a First Information Report in her case and instead filed only a Non-Cognizable Report, effectively washing their hands of serious allegations including assault, obscene behaviour and an attempt to tear her clothes.

Sangeeta Namdev, a resident of Bhuiya Baba Tola in Chachai village under Devlond police station jurisdiction, has alleged that her neighbour Bhura Pal forcibly entered her house and behaved indecently with her while assaulting her. When she resisted, he attempted to tear her clothes, according to her complaint.

Her mother-in-law Somvati, aged 58 years, rushed to intervene and tried to stop the alleged assault. Bhura Pal then threw the elderly woman to the ground and beat her, Sangeeta alleged. The assault left Somvati with a serious injury to her forehead that required stitches at a hospital.

Despite the gravity of the accusations, which included forcible entry, physical assault, obscene conduct and an attempt to disrobe a woman, the Devlond police station refused to register an FIR. Instead, officers recorded only a Non-Cognizable Report, a procedural move that effectively closed the door on immediate investigation and action.

When her hopes for justice at the police station threshold were shattered, Sangeeta undertook the arduous 120-kilometre journey to the office of the Shahdol Superintendent of Police. She has now appealed directly to the SP, demanding strict action against the accused and security for her family.

The case has been reported from Shahdol by Deependra Singh.