A disturbing case of physical harassment by Railway Police has emerged in Vasai. This event happened in the Nalasopara Police Academy when officers underwent training. Following complaints from two courageous young women against sexual abuse, the police have filed charges of misconduct and molestation against an officer and his friend. These brave individuals showed remarkable courage by stepping forward to report the incident.
The accused, identified as a 28-year-old constable named Samadhan Gaavde, and his friend, a 25-year-old woman named Anuja Shingade, who works at the Vijay Bhav Police Academy in Nalasopara, have been implicated in the case. Gaavde is alleged to have engaged in harassment based on caste, targeting the young women attending his classes. The complainants approached the Nalasopara Police Station to lodge their grievances.
As per the complaints, Gaavde reportedly sent explicit messages and made inappropriate video calls to the victims. Additionally, he is charged with touching them inappropriately while they were in class, and he frequently invited them to his house. Anuja, who is a friend of Gaavde, is accused of supporting his actions. Allegedly, she assisted Gaavde in scanning one victim’s WhatsApp messages and engaged in disrespectful conversations.
These actions resulted in severe emotional distress for the young women. They confided in their families and decided to report the incident to the Nalasopara Police Station. Following their complaints, Gaavde was suspended from his duties, and both he and Anuja were charged under various sections, including the Prevention of Atrocities Act.
Vilas Supe, the Senior Police Inspector at the Nalasopara Police Station, stated, ‘The accused have been sent to court for a two-day police custody. This case raises concerns about the potential for more instances of severe harassment against young women, and the police are conducting a thorough investigation.’
This incident underscores the significance of reporting instances of misconduct and abuse, even when involving figures of authority. The bravery demonstrated by these young women should inspire others to speak out against any form of harassment
The two were the subject of a complaint filed under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections 345 (wrongful detention), 354D (stalking), the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, and the Information Technology Act.
