There has been a significant rise in rape cases across the country in recent days. In many cases, the police themselves have been accused of involvement in the crime. Republica's Roshan Sedhai talked to the Nepal Police spokesperson, SSP Shailesh Thapa Khsetri, about investigations into the Nirmala Panta rape and murder case, in which police have been accused of helping the perpetrators. Excerpts:

How does police headquarters take the accusation heaped on police that it has shown negligence toward rape cases across the country?

It is true that there were some shortcomings on the part of the police but we have been taking the issue very seriously and have set up a Women and Children's Service Directorate to oversee such cases. We have been investigating these cases through various cells and bureaus within the police and taking action against police officials who end up on the wrong side of the law.

Name some incidents when action was taken against such police officials?

There were some such incidents. Departmental action was taken against the DSP, an inspector and other officials involved in the Durbarmarg incident; the SP was suspended following the Sunsari incident; and police officials involved in the Kanchanpur incident are under investigation. We will not spare any nerring police officials.

What could be the reason behind the rise in such incidents?

We see the increase in the number of these cases as a sign of greater awareness. It is rise in awareness that has led to more women reporting rape cases to the police . We have circulated a notice throughout our organization not to steer such cases towards mutual understanding and settlement. Action must be taken against the guilty.

Uncontrolled use of the internet is also a reason. Parents show no interest in understanding what their children are doing over the internet. The misuse and overuse of social media is a contributing factor.

Another reason could be the trend of nuclear families. In such families, the home environment is more diluted while parental guidance is inadequate.

The public has accused police of not taking any action in rape cases. What actually are the police doing?

The only responsibility of the police is to carry out the investigations. The other authorities concerned should also help. If schools, media, the political parties and the ministries concerned all join hands in helping out the police, rape cases will surely decrease. And let me tell you this. We have left no stone unturned during any investigation.

Fingers have been pointed against police investigations. It has come to light that in the past the police have tried to hush up some cases. How impartial have the police been ?

The allegations made against us regarding our investigations are true. But now a days it is not possible for the police to frame anyone. Forensics, post mortems , the use of sniffer dogs and the like keep investigations on a proper track. On top of that, public prosecutors are involved in all criminal cases and they can keep an eye on police practices.

But there have been allegations that the police have tried to save the skins of the sons or other kin of certain people.

That is not true. Nepal Police is a professional organization and no misconduct is tolerated.

 
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