IIT Kanpur: Research scholar accuses ACP of rape allegations; officer transferred

NEW DELHI: Indian Institute of Technology-Kanpur research scholar has accused an Assistant Commissioner of Police, posted in the Collectorganj circle of Kanpur, of rape, leading to his transfer on Thursday, police said. Mohammad Mohsin Khan, a Provincial Police Service officer from the 2013 batch, has been relieved of his duties in the Collectorganj circle and attached to the Director General of Police (DGP) headquarters in Lucknow, according to police reports.

Khan was charged at the Kalyanpur Police Station on Thursday for allegedly seeking "sexual intercourse by employing deceitful means," according to police. Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) Ankita Sharma stated that the officer has not yet been arrested. A five-member Special Investigation Team, led by Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Archana Singh, has been formed to investigate the case.

SIT begins investigation

"The SIT has been directed to conduct a detailed investigation and ensure the case is disposed of based on facts and evidence," Sharma said. According to police, the ACP had enrolled at IIT-K five months ago to pursue a PhD in Cyber Crime and Criminology. While studying at the institute, he reportedly developed a relationship with a research scholar and promised to marry her, after divorcing his wife.

But later when the officer refused to come good on his promise, the woman filed a complaint of rape. DCP Ankita Sharma and Additional DCP Archana Singh visited the IIT-K campus in plain clothes to meet the woman and verify her claims. "Prima facie, the charges against the ACP appear credible. As a result, he has been stripped of his current responsibilities and transferred out of the city to ensure a free and impartial investigation," said another officer.

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IIT-Kanpur responds

"As is well known now, a girl student of IIT Kanpur has accused a police officer in Kanpur city of sexual exploitation and filed a complaint. The institute is committed to providing all the necessary support to the student at this difficult time. We are also thankful to the city police for their quick action on the complaint. We are cooperating with them in the investigation. We request everyone to respect the privacy of the student," the institute said in a statement.

(With inputs from PTI)