SC Orders Probe Into Molestation Case Against Hissar Jail Superintendent

Observing that "just because he is jail superintendent, we can't ignore his side", the Supreme Court has ordered a probe into the Hissar jail superintendent's claim that he was at home at the time as alleged in the complaint in a molestation case against him.

Shamsher Singh Dahiya is facing a molestation case registered in July 2015, and filed an affidavit claiming that CCTV footage would establish that he was not present at the jail the time alleged in the FIR.

A bench headed by Chief Justice of India JS Khehar also directed the police to probe into Dahiya's claim that the allegation levelled by a woman prisoner against him is false and CCTV camera footage would establish it.

Appearing for the complainant, senior advocate Indira Jaising said the court should direct any other agencies than Haryana Police as Dahiya is part of the same police force.

There are many complaints by other women prisoners in the jail against this IPS officer and the police have not taken any action so far, she said.

The bench, however, declined her submission.

Appearing for the Haryana government, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Tushar Mehta informed the court that since the complainant has denied recording her statement, the police filed an application for closure of FIR before the magistrate in Hissar.

The court also directed the magistrate to consider Dahiya's claim while considering the application.

The woman was arrested and lodged in the jail in connection with the arrest of self-claimed controversial guru Rampal from his Aslok Ashram in Hissar in November 2014.

She lodged a complaint against Dahiya that she was molested by the police officer in jail on July 30, 2015.