The mother of the young woman who survived the horrific 2017 Unnao gang rape case found herself at the centre of a fresh controversy on Thursday. She was allegedly manhandled by personnel at the Mandir Marg police station in the heart of Delhi. The incident has sparked significant outrage and raised serious questions about the treatment of victims' families by the authorities.
Altercation at the Police Station
The confrontation occurred when the woman visited the Mandir Marg police station to discuss security arrangements for her daughter. The survivor is currently under the protection of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), a directive issued by the Supreme Court of India following the brutal attack. According to accounts from the family and their legal counsel, the conversation with the police officers took a hostile turn.
The mother alleged that she was pushed and physically handled by the police personnel present at the station. This act of alleged aggression against the family member of a high-profile victim immediately escalated tensions. The woman's advocates stated that the police behaviour was unwarranted and deeply distressing for a family that has already endured immense trauma.
Immediate Fallout and Protests
In response to the incident, supporters and associates of the survivor's family staged a protest outside the Mandir Marg police station. They demanded immediate action against the officers involved in the alleged manhandling. The protest highlighted the ongoing vulnerability and struggles faced by the family even years after the original crime, despite judicial intervention.
The security for the survivor, mandated by the Supreme Court, involves the CRPF. The family's visit to the local police station was related to coordination aspects of this security detail. The alleged mistreatment during this visit has cast a shadow over inter-agency cooperation and the sensitivity protocol expected when dealing with victims of grievous crimes.
Broader Implications and Demands
This event is not an isolated one but adds to a long list of challenges the Unnao rape survivor and her family have faced, including a fatal car accident that was part of a larger conspiracy. The latest incident at the Delhi police station underscores the persistent institutional hurdles victims often encounter.
Legal representatives for the family have called for a thorough investigation into the conduct of the police personnel at Mandir Marg. They are seeking accountability and disciplinary action to ensure such treatment is not meted out to victims or their kin in the future. The case has once again brought national attention to the implementation of victim protection schemes and the need for continuous sensitivity training within police forces across India.
The Delhi Police have not yet issued an extensive official statement regarding the specific allegations, but the matter is expected to draw scrutiny from higher authorities. The incident serves as a stark reminder that for survivors of heinous crimes, the pursuit of justice and safety is a continuous battle, often fought beyond the courtroom in everyday interactions with the system meant to protect them.
