Submission of memorandum to Home Minister, Women and Child Development Minister and Police Commissioner for non arrest of sexual assault accused

On 6^th June a delegation of women’s groups including Sakhya Women’s Guidance Cell, Yuva, Forum against oppression of women, Samajwadi Mahila Sabha, Kamyani, VACHA, Akshra, Sneha, WRAG,Angha Sarpotda submitted the memorandum for non arrest of  Dr. Rustam Sonawala in a rape case to the office of Home Minister and Women and Child Development Minister since they were not in the office. After that, we went to the Police Commissioner's office, and met him in his 4-5 pm meeting with the public. Sakhya was represented by Ms. Chatush Singh.

At first he told us that he was in the US when the Sonawala incident happened, and he only read about it in the papers. Hen then told us that “yes, the police may have made a mistake in going with him in his car, doctor actually tricked the police. But an enquiry is being done about why he was allowed to get away.

He called up his juniors and asked the update of the case, he then told us that a new case has been registered by the police against the doctor under section 224 IPC and the case has been shifted from Khar and given to another Inspector in Powai station “so that police can not be influenced” and the team has been constituted to follow up the case.

Then he went onto say, “We the police are with you…etc”. He also wanted to know why did not other family who also had similar experience, not register a case. We told him people often don’t’ trust the police, upon which he got angry and growled at us. Then we asked him what is happening to enquiry, he again got angry and said now there is no need of enquiry when case has been registered and asked if Sujata was an advocate etc. Upon urging further he said, what might have happened was something must have happened to his car, and when the police men got out, he must have driven away. Also the police don’t have that many vehicles...which was why they went in his car. But no-body can put pressure on us!!

Further if there are any more threats to anyone from doctor’s supporter, we can file a case.Also if the other side is coming in huge number, we are also asked to gather numbers!! Aur police hamesa mahilaon ke sath hai!!