Tripura Judge faces sexual assault allegations by rape survivor, investigation underway

Agartala: A rape survivor has alleged that she was sexually assaulted by a Magistrate within his chamber, in a Tripura court. According to reports, a three-member panel led by Dhalai, District and Sessions Judge Gautam Sarkar has begun an investigation into the accusation after her spouse filed a complaint with the Kamalpur Bar Association. 

According to the woman, the alleged incident of sexual abuse took place on February 16 when she went to the chamber of First Class Judicial Magistrate, Kamalpur to get her statement recorded in connection with the rape case. Owing to privacy reasons, we are refraining from naming the judge. 

The victim claimed in her written complaint and affidavit that she was called to the judicial magistrate's chamber to give a statement in her rape case. The affidavit revealed that the lady police officer, who was accompanying the survivor, was requested to wait outside, and the latter was asked to enter the judges chamber alone. While she was recounting the incident, the judge closed the door. The judge closed the door, and I was narrating the incident when he asked me to stand up, groped me and sexually assaulted me, she said in the complaint, a copy of which was seen by LawStreet Journal. 

As per Hindustan Times, Advocate Shibendra Dasgupta from the Kamalpur Bar Association said, A complaint was filed addressing the Kamalpur Bar Association secretary. Our Bar Association president received the complaint. The complaint has been forwarded to the Additional District Judge.

According to news reports, the Registrar General of the Tripura High Court, V Pandey, responded to the accusation made against the judge by saying that no formal complaint has been received on the matter. I learned about it through social media and the media, just like other residents of the state. As soon as we get a complaint in the correct manner, we will undoubtedly take the necessary action.