Suratgarh court ordered an FIR to be filed against former SHO Dinesh Saran within 24 hours in a case of misbehavior and molestation of a woman.
The court clarified in its order that immediate action is necessary given the seriousness of the matter. The court not only ordered the registration of the FIR but also directed to ensure that the investigation is impartial.
Under this, the investigation of the case has been ordered to be conducted by another RPS officer from outside the Suratgarh circle. This step has been taken to ensure the fairness of the investigation.
This case is related to an incident on October 27, 2025. According to the complaint, the district president of a women's organization had filed a complaint in the court through advocate Vishnu Sharma.
The complaint alleged that a cultural program was organized at the Shri Hanumanji Khejdi temple complex on the occasion of Sriganganagar Foundation Day.
According to the victim, when she reached the venue, the then SHO Dinesh Saran stopped her from entering. It is alleged that during this time, she was pushed and abusive language was used, causing her public humiliation.
The complaint also stated that despite complaining after the incident, the police did not register an FIR. It is alleged that an attempt was made to suppress the matter, after which the victim had to approach the court.
The court found the investigation report submitted by the police in the matter to be prima facie unsatisfactory. In its report, the police had cited the woman's attempt to enter the program without a VIP pass as the basis.
However, information obtained from the tourism department under the Right to Information (RTI) Act refuted the police's claim. The RTI revealed that no VIP passes were issued for that event. The court considered this a serious contradiction and questioned the impartiality of the investigation.
Several discrepancies were also found in the statements of the female constables, the explanation of the accused officer, and the investigation report.
The victim made another serious allegation, stating that the signatures on the statements recorded in her name during the investigation were not hers. Taking cognizance of this, the court also directed a Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) investigation of the signatures.
The court made sharp remarks on the police's attitude towards women's safety in its order. The court said that the available records prima facie reveal the necessary elements of a cognizable offense against a woman, and it is the legal duty of the police to register an FIR in such cases.
The court stated, "If the police refuse or delay registering FIRs even in cases of crimes against women, then women's safety will be confined only to government posters."
The court also remarked that a victim having to seek refuge in the court for justice is a crisis not of law but of the administration's willpower.
The ACJM has directed the District Superintendent of Police to hand over the investigation of the case to another RPS officer.
Additionally, the concerned police officers are also to be asked why action should not be taken against them for not registering an FIR in a cognizable offense against a woman. The court also expressed deep regret over the non-compliance with the Director-General of Police's instructions.
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