'Appoint liaison officer in police stations'

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has proposed that all state governments adopt the practice of appointing liaison officer in police stations, who are sensitive to women’s issues. On a pilot basis, the NCW has facilitated appointment of such officers in three police stations in Delhi, to assist women who approach the police stations to file complaints.

Speaking with mediapersons here on Wednesday, NCW chairperson, Lalita Kumaramangalam said that the Maharashtra government was keen on implementing it, following the model of the Delhi stations. The Commission has suggested that all state governments appoint these officers.

She was here in the City to meet top officials in connection with the alleged sexual abuse case of Ramachandrapura Mutt seer Raghaveshwara Bharati swami. The complaint was filed 11 months ago by a disciple alleging that her mother was sexually abused by the seer. However, no chargesheet has been filed yet. Kumaramangalam said this was the third time that the NCW was visiting the City in connection with the complaint.

Talking about the child sexual abuse incident at Holy Shepherd Convent, the chairperson said from whatever information she had gathered, there was been no delay on part of the police. “I heard that the school had stated that they had no role in it. Schools also must also take responsibility in such cases,” she said, insisting accountability on part of the managements.