GS4 · UPSC Mains

Recently, a disturbing incident involving the sexual assault of two young girls at a nursery school came to light in a 'sleepy' town of a western state in the country. When the parents approached the local police station to lodge an FIR, the police turned them away. However, twelve hours later, the FIR was filed, and a 24-year-old cleaning staff member of the school was arrested as the only suspect in the incident. The news of the assault spread rapidly, igniting widespread outrage and intense media coverage. The public was furious, leading to protests across the town demanding justice for the victims. Locals organized a bandh, vandalized the school, and blocked railway lines while demanding death penalty for the suspect. The state government swung into action, suspending two police personnel for their delayed response and forming a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the case. The principal of the school, along with two staff members, was also suspended. The SIT began its investigation and charged the school principal, secretary, and chairman under sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act for failing to report the crime. Meanwhile, the accused's first wife filed a case against him for violent sexual behavior and unnatural sex. As the investigation progressed, tensions in the town continued to simmer. The pressure on the SIT to resolve the case was immense, with political figures, media, and the public all demanding swift action. The following day, while the suspect was being transported to the crime scene (the school) for further investigation, he was killed in what was described as an encounter. According to the SIT's account, the suspect managed to snatch a gun from one of the officers and opened fire, injuring him. In retaliation, the police shot the suspect, who was gravely injured and later succumbed to his wounds in the hospital. The news of the encounter spread quickly. While many praised the SIT for their swift action, others raised serious concerns. The family of the suspect claimed it was a staged encounter. The human rights groups echoed similar sentiments, accusing the police of an extrajudicial killing orchestrated under immense public pressure. a. What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? b. Based on the case study, discuss the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in conducting a fair and impartial investigation amidst public and political pressure. c. What best practices should be followed to ensure the integrity of investigations in such high-profile cases?

20 marks · 250 words · 6 toppers answered this · seen 2025

GS4 · Case studies on the above issues GS4 · Aptitude & foundational values for civil service — integrity, impartiality, non-partisanship, objectivity, dedication, empathy, tolerance & compassion

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