Villupuram (Tamil Nadu) (Agency): In a significant development, Rajesh Das, the former Special Director General of Police (DGP) in Tamil Nadu, has been convicted and sentenced to three years of rigorous imprisonment by a local court in Villupuram. The court found him guilty of sexually harassing a woman IPS officer in 2021.
Additionally, the Chief Judicial Magistrate Court of Villupuram has imposed a fine of Rs 20,500 on Das. The court also pronounced the then Chengalpattu Superintendent of Police Kannan as guilty in the case, as per Amjath Ali, one of the lawyers representing the prosecution.
The incident dates back to 2021 when the woman IPS officer filed a complaint against Das, who held the position of Special DGP of Law and Order at the time. Following the complaint, the Tamil Nadu Home Department, under the AIADMK government, suspended Das and formed a six-member inquiry committee to investigate the matter.
The case garnered widespread attention and criticism from politicians in Tamil Nadu. Chief Minister Stalin, who was in the opposition at the time, warned of a massive protest if the state government failed to take action against Das. Stalin also highlighted a previous complaint against vigilance Director Murugan, emphasizing the need for accountability in such cases.
Various political leaders expressed their dismay over the incident. DMK MP Kanimozhi tweeted, "The protector also needs protection during the AIADMK rule. When a woman IPS officer is sexually harassed by a high-ranked officer and the Chief Minister takes no notice of it, what hope do women in the state have in this regime?" President of the Makkal Needhi Maiam party, Kamal Hassan, demanded justice for the victim and urged the Chief Minister to take appropriate action.
The conviction of Rajesh Das sends a strong message about the accountability and justice system in cases of sexual harassment. It highlights the importance of creating a safe working environment for women in the police force and ensuring that those who violate their rights are held accountable for their actions.
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