Tripura Human Rights Commission Orders Probe into Police Coercion Allegations

Download IPFS

The Tripura Human Rights Commission (THRC) has launched an investigation into allegations that a police officer attempted to coerce a man into remaining in his marriage by threatening him with fabricated rape charges. The commission has directed the state’s Director General of Police (DGP) to submit a detailed report on the matter by August 26.

The complaint was filed by Ratna Rani Kar, who alleged that the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of the West Agartala Women Police Station pressured her son, Biplab, to continue living with his wife, Tanu Sutradhar, under threat of false criminal accusations. According to Kar, the threats arose amid escalating marital tensions.

Biplab and Tanu were married on December 15, 2022. However, disputes emerged when Biplab learned that Tanu had been married twice before and was a mother to three children from her previous marriages. Matters further intensified when Tanu allegedly claimed she was pregnant, only for it to be revealed that she had undergone sterilization, making such a claim impossible.

The THRC described the alleged actions by police as a potential violation of fundamental human rights, particularly the right to personal liberty and freedom of choice as guaranteed under the Constitution of India. The commission emphasized that individuals cannot be compelled, through coercion or threat, to maintain personal relationships against their will.

In its directive, the THRC instructed the DGP to investigate the officer’s conduct and determine whether there was an abuse of authority. The commission also highlighted the seriousness of using false criminal charges as leverage in personal disputes, warning that such practices undermine public trust in law enforcement.

A follow-up hearing has been scheduled, with the commission expected to review the DGP’s findings later this month. Legal observers note that the case underscores the importance of oversight mechanisms in addressing alleged misconduct by public officials, particularly in matters involving personal liberty and family rights.

This investigation, if the allegations are substantiated, could lead to disciplinary action against the officer involved and potentially result in criminal proceedings. The THRC’s intervention reflects its broader mandate to protect citizens from abuse of power and ensure adherence to constitutional protections.