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Shimla Police reject ‘Love Jihad’ claims, registers POCSO case against one accused
Shimla, June 6,
Shimla Police on Saturday clarified that allegations of “Love Jihad” being circulated on social media in connection with a recent case involving a minor girl are unverified and misleading, while confirming that a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act has been registered against one accused based on the victim’s statement.
According to a police press release, the father of a 16-year-old girl lodged a complaint at the Women’s Police Station, Shimla, alleging that a man had lured the minor to his shop and subjected her to inappropriate physical behaviour. The complainant also alleged that the accused attempted to pressure the girl by showing her a video in which she was seen talking to another man.
Acting promptly on the complaint, police registered a case under Section 8 of the POCSO Act and Section 75 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The victim’s statement has been recorded and an investigation is underway.
Superintendent of Police, Shimla, Gaurav Singh said that the case is being investigated impartially and professionally while ensuring the safety, dignity and privacy of the minor. He said all facts and circumstances surrounding the incident are being examined in accordance with legal procedures.
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The police also expressed concern over attempts by certain individuals and groups to spread unverified information and target persons whose names do not figure either in the complaint or in the victim’s statement. According to the police, some individuals allegedly assaulted and publicly paraded another youth, purportedly belonging to a minority community, while linking him to the case without any verified evidence.
Police said the role of such individuals is being investigated separately. Authorities warned that taking the law into one’s own hands, including issuing threats, carrying out assaults, organizing unlawful processions or interfering with the investigation, constitutes a criminal offence and will invite strict legal action.
The incident also triggered reports of harassment of some fruit vendors in local markets and inflammatory social media posts targeting members of a particular community.
Shimla Police appealed to the public to refrain from spreading rumours and assured that anyone found involved in any offence during the course of investigation would face action strictly in accordance with law. The police reiterated that conclusions would be based solely on evidence and facts established during the investigation.
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