ASI suspended for receiving complaint

Raghuram Hegde, Bantwal city police station assistant sub-inspector, who reportedly refused to receive a complaint from the Thota Bengre gang rape victim, was on Thursday placed under suspension pending enquiry.

The victim, who belongs to SC, was gang raped when she and her companion had visited Thota Bengre on November 18. Two days later, she visited the Bantwal station and submitted a complaint.

ASI Hegde, who was on duty, however, refused to register the complaint and directed the victim to file her complaint in the jurisdictional Panambur police station.

Accordingly, the Panambur and Pandeshwar Mahila police station officers registered the complaint and launched a search for the rapists.

The SP issued orders suspending the ASI for dereliction of duty, sources told DH.