Rape survivor allegedly assaulted by Tripura Judge; investigation underway
The survivor detailed the alleged assault in her written affidavit, stating that she was summoned by the judicial magistrate to record her statement regarding her rape case
In a disturbing incident in Tripura’s Dhalai district, a 23-year-old rape survivor accused a district and sessions judge of molestation and sexual assault during her visit to record a statement as per Section 164 of the law. The allegation surfaced when the survivor’s husband lodged a complaint with the Kamalpur Bar Association, prompting the constitution of a three-member panel led by the District and Sessions Judge to investigate the matter.
The panel, comprising Dhalai District and Sessions Judge Gautam Sarkar, Chief Judicial Magistrate Satyajit Das, and others, initiated the probe by visiting the judge’s office soon after the complaint was filed. The survivor detailed the alleged assault in her written affidavit, stating that she was summoned by the judicial magistrate to record her statement regarding her rape case.
According to her complaint, she was directed to enter the judge’s chamber alone, with the woman police personnel instructed to remain outside. Inside the chamber, the judge allegedly closed the door and, while she was recounting the incident, proceeded to grope and sexually assault her. The survivor further accused the magistrate of subjecting her to digital rape during the distressing encounter. Her husband later learned of the ordeal, leading to the formal complaint to the Kamalpur Bar Association.
A senior police official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, revealed that the woman had been allegedly raped by a 26-year-old youth on February 13 at her residence. The incident was reported to the Kachhucherra police station on February 15. On February 16, the survivor went to the judicial magistrate’s office to provide her statement regarding the assault.
Advocate Shibendra Dasgupta from the Kamalpur Bar Association confirmed the receipt of the complaint and its subsequent forwarding to the additional district judge. The survivor’s husband expressed concern about justice being compromised, stating, “I’m a daily wager. If a judge mistreats us, how would people get justice?”
The serious nature of the allegations prompted the formation of a three-member panel to ensure a thorough investigation. The panel is tasked with examining the veracity of the survivor’s claims and determining the appropriate legal actions.
The incident raises questions about the safety of survivors within the judicial system and highlights the need for a robust mechanism to address such allegations promptly and impartially. As the investigation unfolds, it underscores the importance of upholding the integrity of the legal system and ensuring that survivors are treated with dignity and respect, free from any form of harassment or abuse.
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