TERROR OF ANDHERI POLICE STATION
WEST SIDE PLUS (TIMES OF INDIA-OCT 2003)
By Skimmy Gupta
Rajani Salunkhe, woman sub-inspector at Andheri police station is fast becoming a terror for complainants. Rajani, transferred to Andheri Police station about a year back allegedly misuses her power especially against poor slum dwellers using muscle power. She even uses her boots to hit them and not even spares senior citizens in her assault mood. On one ocassion, she forcibly snipped hair of an accused to teach him a lesson.
In a recent incident; Sonia Hiralal Bairagi, a 27-year-old resident of Mograpada, Andheri (east) was allegedly beaten by Rajani Salunkhe while launching a complaint against her husband. Fed up with routine beating and harassment at husband’s place, Sonia ran to Andheri police station on 19th September. Thinking a lady officer would understand her problem; she approached Rajani Salunkhe.According to eyewitnesses at Andheri police station, Sonia was not even given a listening ear. While hearing Sonia’s version; Salunkhe abruptly interrupted her and instantly slapped her hard on her face resulting in a mark with huge swelling on her right cheek. Terrified, Sonia rushed to her house; again to receive beating from her husband at night.
Narrating her plight to West Side Plus, Sonia said, “As my in- laws and husband harass me a lot ;I thought of seeking police help. The woman inspector slapped me so hard that due to swollen face I could not speak properly for few days .She even accused me of being a liar and characterless. She abused me saying ‘Get lost and never step in police station again.’ I am scared to go to the police station again. From past 6 years; my case is pending here and no action has been taken. My hopes have shattered and will have to suffer in silence throughout my life .We poor people have no say anywhere and if police behave like this; how will we get justice?”
Investigations reveal that this is not the first case of beating by sub –inspector Salunkhe. She even faced similar charges at her former posting at Vile Parle police station. A lady constable, on condition of anonymity said, “Before Sonia incident, she also hit a man suffering from tuberculosis. We regularly witness such incidents but cannot raise our voices due to fear of loss of job .She often humiliates us and just throws her weight around.”
Anand Bhilare, Senior Police Inspector,Andheri police station said “On previous occasions, I have received complaints against her beating complainants. I have given her two warnings in the past, but it seems she has not improved her code of conduct. This matter needs to be addressed seriously now. The harassed lady or any other complainant can approach me anytime with their problems and their problems with my staff. It is my responsibility to give them a proper listening ear”
Though the women cell at Andheri Police Station often hold gender sensitization programs for male police officers. But after Rajani’s case, it seems even women inspectors need such training sessions. Finally, Sonia has approached Women’s cell with her case to get justice.
Even after repeated calls; Rajani Salunkhe, sub-inspector, Andheri police station was unavailable for comments.
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By Skimmy Gupta
Rajani Salunkhe, woman sub-inspector at Andheri police station is fast becoming a terror for complainants. Rajani, transferred to Andheri Police station about a year back allegedly misuses her power especially against poor slum dwellers using muscle power. She even uses her boots to hit them and not even spares senior citizens in her assault mood. On one ocassion, she forcibly snipped hair of an accused to teach him a lesson.
In a recent incident; Sonia Hiralal Bairagi, a 27-year-old resident of Mograpada, Andheri (east) was allegedly beaten by Rajani Salunkhe while launching a complaint against her husband. Fed up with routine beating and harassment at husband’s place, Sonia ran to Andheri police station on 19th September. Thinking a lady officer would understand her problem; she approached Rajani Salunkhe.According to eyewitnesses at Andheri police station, Sonia was not even given a listening ear. While hearing Sonia’s version; Salunkhe abruptly interrupted her and instantly slapped her hard on her face resulting in a mark with huge swelling on her right cheek. Terrified, Sonia rushed to her house; again to receive beating from her husband at night.
Narrating her plight to West Side Plus, Sonia said, “As my in- laws and husband harass me a lot ;I thought of seeking police help. The woman inspector slapped me so hard that due to swollen face I could not speak properly for few days .She even accused me of being a liar and characterless. She abused me saying ‘Get lost and never step in police station again.’ I am scared to go to the police station again. From past 6 years; my case is pending here and no action has been taken. My hopes have shattered and will have to suffer in silence throughout my life .We poor people have no say anywhere and if police behave like this; how will we get justice?”
Investigations reveal that this is not the first case of beating by sub –inspector Salunkhe. She even faced similar charges at her former posting at Vile Parle police station. A lady constable, on condition of anonymity said, “Before Sonia incident, she also hit a man suffering from tuberculosis. We regularly witness such incidents but cannot raise our voices due to fear of loss of job .She often humiliates us and just throws her weight around.”
Anand Bhilare, Senior Police Inspector,Andheri police station said “On previous occasions, I have received complaints against her beating complainants. I have given her two warnings in the past, but it seems she has not improved her code of conduct. This matter needs to be addressed seriously now. The harassed lady or any other complainant can approach me anytime with their problems and their problems with my staff. It is my responsibility to give them a proper listening ear”
Though the women cell at Andheri Police Station often hold gender sensitization programs for male police officers. But after Rajani’s case, it seems even women inspectors need such training sessions. Finally, Sonia has approached Women’s cell with her case to get justice.
Even after repeated calls; Rajani Salunkhe, sub-inspector, Andheri police station was unavailable for comments.
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Labels: City
posted by Skimmy @ June 14, 2008
1 Comments:
At October 31, 2008 at 5:10 AM ,
Unknown said...
I am aghast. I was thinking of approaching a the Andheri Police Station becuase even after being qulified and working in a good organisation I am a victim of domestic Violence. I wanted to register a complaint against my husband so that at least I am not harmed physically.
But what to do now????
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