Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 26: Sub-Judge Udhampur Slahuddin Ahmed today framed charges against Surinder Singh Rana, the then Commanding Officer 187 Bn CRPF, Battal Ballian in sexual harassment case.
After hearing both the sides, court observed, “there are specific allegations in the statement of complainant that the accused being Commanding Officer of the complainant suggested her that anything could happen between them, if she wanted, and that he had to write her ACR (Annual Confidential Reports)”.
“The accused being a superior officer made a request implicitly to the complainant for sexual favour in exchange for benefit in the ACR which he had to write. There is an element of quid pro quo on the part of the accused, for giving a better ACR and ACR was something which he was empowered to write, being her superior officer”, the court said.
“Hence, prima facie there is ground for presuming that the accused has committed offence punishable under Section 354-E IPC. This court is satisfied that prima facie there are grounds for presuming that the accused Surinder Singh Rana has committed offences punishable under Sections 354-A/354-D/354-E/509 IPC. Accordingly, accused Surinder Singh Rana is charged for commission of offences”, Sub Judge said.