Pune: Rape Accused RPF Head Constable Yet To Be Arrested
Sumit Singh
Pune, 1st November 2023: The Government Railway Police (GRP), Pune, has arrested accused Kamlesh Tiwari, in connection with the rape of a minor girl under the guise of rescue from Pune Railway Station. However, RPF Head Constable Pawar is still absconding.
Two separate FIRs have been filed by Chhattisgarh Police and Pune GRP in connection with the heinous crime. Chhattisgarh Police has nabbed the boyfriend of the minor victim. The victim was allegedly gang-raped by Anil Pawar and Kamlesh Tiwari, with Pawar still at large. GRP is conducting raids at various locations to apprehend the absconding accused.
Contrary to regulations, accused Anil Pawar and Kamlesh Tiwari took the minor girl from the railway station platform to an NGO office named Siddharth Multipurpose Society located on the premises of railway quarters. The NGO, originally permitted to work for senior citizens and beggars in railway premises, was prohibited from operating on the station platform. The victim was illegally taken to the NGO office, where she was sexually assaulted.
The Railway Department has initiated a departmental inquiry into the matter. Assistant Security Commissioner (ASC) PK Das, along with a lady police inspector from RPF, will lead the investigation, and submit the report within seven days. The accused Head Constable of RPF has been immediately suspended, while the RPF incharge of Pune station faces suspension for lax supervision.
The incident has cast a shadow over the reputation and trustworthiness of the Railway Protection Force (RPF). Despite the department’s swift response and suspension of involved officers, the case has prompted GRP to explore whether the accused have committed similar crimes under the guise of NGOs.
Dr Ramdas Bhise (IRTS), Divisional Commercial Manager and Public Relations Officer, affirmed the seriousness with which the Railway Administration views the incident. He stated, “The Railway Administration is committed to taking strict action against the culprits and ensuring justice is served. The accused head constable has been suspended immediately, and a thorough investigation is underway.”
