JUDGEMENT
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(1.)The allegations and factual averments contained in the petition are so grisly and frightful, one can only hope, as is contended by the learned State counsel, that the same are fictitious. He argues that in fact, a honey trap was laid by the petitioner, which later boomeranged on her. If that be not so, then it is a case which reflects the sordid state of affairs in Punjab Police, particularly in the Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) at Bathinda. The very protectors/enforcers of law and order have turned into predators, making a young 38 years old widow mother victim of their lust, as has been more elaborately stated in the petition. This Court refrains to give the narrative thereof to maintain and respect the privacy of the petitioner, whose son, all of 19-20 years, while he was suffering/convalescing from Covid-19 infection at his residence, was picked up by CIA police officials in broad day light on 6/5/2021 at 10.00 a.m., when the she declined to succumb to the sexual favor sought from her. An FIR, allegedly a false one, was registered against her son under NDPS Act by planting contraband on him so as to arm twist the petitioner. Eventually, under duress to get her son released, she yielded to the sexual demands of the CIA staff. In fact, given the nature of allegations and the controversy involved herein, it is imperative that the identity of the petitioner be kept secret. Accordingly, the Registry to take appropriate steps to delete her name from the memo of parties in petition. Wherever possible to do so, Madam 'X' be pasted at the appropriate places in the petition. To substantiate her allegations, petitioner has also appended apen drive (Annexure P-3) which contains the recorded conversations between her and respondent No.5 (an ASI) as well as certain live video clippings in support of her rape allegations, a heinous crime otherwise, but is being termed as honey trap by the defense. Truth will only unfold in time once it is properly investigated, in accordance with law.
(2.)On a Court query qua the steps taken so far in FIR No.68 dtd. 12/5/2021 registered under Sec. 376 IPC at Police Station Cantt, District Bathinda on the complaint of the petitioner, learned State counsel, on instructions, submits that vide order dtd. 13/5/2021, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted. Sh. Surinder Pal Singh, Superintendent of Police, (Headquarter) Bathida, Sh. Paramjeet Singh, Deputy Superintendent of Police (D) Bathinda and Sh. Gurmeet Singh, Station House Officer, Bathinda Cantt have been made SIT members to conduct investigation. It is rather intriguing, given the nature of sensitive investigation, that no lady police official has been involved, which is even otherwise the requirement of law in cases of this kind. To say the least, it is highly deplorable to see the insensitiveness with which the district police officials have acted, in constituting the SIT having all male members.
(3.)In the premise, this Court is compelled to direct respondent No. 1-State of Punjab through its Director General of Police to constitute a new SIT which shall now be headed by Ms. Gurpreet Deo, Additional Director General of Police, in her capacity as Chairperson and since she is based in Chandigarh, the other two members who would assist her shall be Ms. D. Sudarvizhi, Senior Superintendent of Police Sri Mukatsar Sahib and Ms. Prabhjot Kaur, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Budhlada, Mansa.