Indian Air Force officer charged with rape of female officer in IIOJK
Srinagar: Police in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir have registered a case against an Indian Air Force officer, Wing Commander PK Sehrawat, following a complaint of rape, mental harassment and stalking by a female Flying Officer, posted at Air Force Station in Srinagar.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the FIR, lodged at the Police Station Budgam under Section 376(2) of the Indian Penal Code, pertains to aggravated rape committed by persons in positions of authority. According to the complaint, the incident occurred on December 31, 2023, during a New Year’s party at the Officers’ Mess.
The female officer, whose name has been withheld, said the Wing Commander Sehrawat sexually assaulted and harassed her. She alleged that he forced her into his room under the pretext of collecting a gift and assaulted her despite her repeated pleas to stop and attempts to resist.
The complainant reported a series of troubling events following the assault, including mishandling of the investigation, significant delays, and procedural lapses. She faced obstacles in reporting the incident, including a lack of timely medical examination and biased treatment from the Internal Committee formed to investigate the case.
The complaint further alleged continuous harassment, including unwarranted monitoring of her personal communications and social interactions, leading to severe psychological distress and significant impact on her mental health.
The Police Station Budgam has assigned an Inspector-ranked officer to oversee the investigation of the sensitive case.
The case of Wing Commander PK Sehrawat is a disturbing reminder that sexual harassment and assault continue to plague the Indian armed forces. Unfortunately, such incidents are on the rise, with numerous cases of sexual misconduct, harassment, and assault reported in recent years. The Indian military’s hierarchical structure and culture of silence often prevent victims from speaking out, as in the case in point, allowing perpetrators to go unpunished.
