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An illustration of 'Stop Rape' is seen here.
Credit: iStock Photo
Srinagar: The Jammu Kashmir Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) following serious allegations made by a female Flying Officer against a Wing Commander stationed at an Air Force base in Srinagar.
The female officer has accused the Wing Commander of rape, mental harassment, and persistent stalking. The FIR has been reportedly lodged at Budgam Police Station under Section 376(2) of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita following a complaint by the female officer.
According to local news agency KDC, the complaint details an incident that allegedly occurred on the night of December 31, 2023, during a New Year's party at the Officers’ Mess.
The female officer alleged that the Wing Commander sexually assaulted her in his room after asking her to collect a gift. Despite her pleas and attempts to resist, she claims she was coerced into a distressing situation.
The FIR also claimed that the complainant believes the investigation was mishandled, citing significant delays and procedural lapses. She asserted that her attempts to report the assault were met with obstacles, including delays in medical examinations and perceived bias from the Internal Committee assigned to the case.
In addition to the alleged assault, the officer claims she has faced harassment, including unwarranted monitoring of her personal communications and social interactions, which has led to severe psychological distress and impacted her mental health.
A police officer while confirming the registration of the FIR said investigation into the matter to verify the claims and gathering evidence has started. “The incident was reported to the police just recently by the female officer and we have initiated the probe,” he told DH.
Asked whether the accused officer has been called for questioning, the officer said, “As and when his presence is required, he will be called for questioning.”
In April 2021, in a similar incident, an IAF pilot had moved the Jammu and Kashmir High Court alleging that she was sexually harassed by her Flight Commander.
In the plea, the woman officer had also mentioned the "unfair" manner of inquiry by the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC), constituted under the Sexual Harassment at Work Place Act (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act).
However, the court reportedly quashed the case following a compromise between the two in May this year.