PANAJI
The Goa Human Rights Commission (GHRC) has called for better coordination between the police and the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) following reports of alleged misconduct by officers of the Women Police Station (WPS) towards Committee members during the probe into a sexual assault case.
“The Commission expects better cooperation between the complainant (CWC, North Goa) and the respondent (Director General of Police) in the future when dealing with victims of sexual abuse,” reads the order pronounced by GHRC’s Acting Chairperson Desmond D’Costa and Member Pramod Kamat.
The CWC Chairperson and members had complained to the GHRC regarding a case in which a minor victim of sexual assault was repeatedly subjected to psychological tests at the Institute of Psychiatry and Human Behaviour (IPHB), Bambolim, by the WPS despite specific instructions to the contrary.
The complaint further alleged rude behaviour by WPS officials towards the CWC.
According to the complainants, officials at Apna Ghar, where the victim was lodged after the incident, had already completed the procedure.
Thus, the CWC urged the WPS to avoid subjecting the child to repeated assessments.
However, the police allegedly disregarded this request and took the child for another psychological assessment at IPHB, Bambolim.
“When the Chairperson inquired telephonically with the police inspector of the Women Police Station on January 15, 2025, regarding the re-examination despite prior tests at Apna Ghar, the officer reportedly responded rudely and insultingly. The officer was non-cooperative, refused to allow the Chairperson to voice concerns, and displayed uncouth behaviour over the phone,” the complaint stated.
In light of the incident, the CWC sought an inquiry by the GHRC and strict action against the erring officers, along with directives to ensure the proper procedure for psychological assessments of POCSO victims.
The Committee also urged measures to uphold and protect the rights of minor victims of sexual abuse.
During the hearing on Tuesday, the WPS Superintendent of Police (SP) maintained that the child was continually followed up with all referred departments, including the IPHB, to ensure comprehensive care and evaluation.
The written reply by the SP further stated that the IPHB assessment was conducted as per the recommendations of the Gynaecology Department at Goa Medical College (GMC).
