Women police inspector wins ‘Kendriya Grihamantri Dakshata Padak’

In recognition of her exemplary investigation, prompt action, and dedication to securing justice for the victim, Woman Inspector (UB) Swapna Bhowmik of Belonia Women police station has been awarded ‘Kendriya Grihamantri Dakshata Padak’ for the year 2025 in the field of investigation.

She investigated Belonia Women Police Station Case No. 2024WMN029 dated 15.09.2024, registered under sections 127(1), 96, 76, and 65(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 4 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, which culminated in conviction within 257 days of its registration.

The case arose from a missing report of a minor girl lodged on 14.09.2024 (afternoon). Acting swiftly, the Investigating Officer, Inspector (UB) Swapna Bhowmik recovered the victim the same night, registered a case, facilitated her medical examination, and ensured that her statement was recorded judicially under Section 183(5) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) on 15.09.2024 (forenoon).

A police press statement said that on the basis of close follow-up and evidentiary material collected during the investigation, the accused was promptly arrested. The evidence gathered conclusively established his involvement in the offence. The charge sheet was filed under sections 127(1)/ 96/76/65(2)/351(2) of BNS and Section 6 of the POCSO Act within 47 days, on 31.10.2024, and the trial was conducted in a Fast Track Court.

Upon completion of trial, the Court convicted the accused and awarded the sentences including 20 years rigorous imprisonment (RI) and a fine of Rs 10,000 under Section 6 of the POCSO Act; in default, 2 months RI and 2 years RI and a fine of Rs 2,000 under Section 137(2) of the BNS; in default, 1-month Simple Imprisonment (SI). The victim has been granted Rs 2,00,000 under the Victim Compensation Scheme.

The case was registered and tried under New Criminal Laws i.e., Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita(BNSS) and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA). The objective of New Criminal Laws is to ensure prompt and expeditious justice to the victims.