The recent issue on a claim made by a woman alleging that PSI attached to the Colva police station assaulted her before forcing her to lick his shoes has triggered outrage. The assault has triggered debates regarding abuse of power by the police officials. People who are supposed to protect citizens are seen insulting and assaulting women which is shameful. The incident also underscores the importance of accountability and swift action in such cases. The state human rights commission or state women's commission has yet to take cognizance of this case. The government are yet to accept the rule of law or the urgency of undertaking comprehensive police reform, including the need to make police accountable for widespread human rights violations. The Indian government also has yet to recognize the immediate need to improve the working and living conditions of low-ranking police. While those conditions in no way justify the human rights violations committed by police, addressing them is critical to changing a working environment that facilitates, condones, and encourages such violations.
