You are posted as Superintendent of Police in a district. A case has come up in which more than 30 girls were allegedly raped and sexually exploited at the city shelter home run by an NGO. The scandal came to light when media flagged complaints of sexual abuse of inmates of the city shelter home. A nexus of police, politicians, administration and criminals have been allegedly responsible for the racket going on for the last few years. In light of this, a lot of protests have erupted across the city. While, on one hand, media glare has meant that people are demanding swift action, you have been asked to go slow in investigating the case by top officers in your department. Elections in the state are due in a few months, so it has become a politically sensitive issue. You are also under immense political pressure from the ruling party to not take strict action and make compromises to cover up the case. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) Identify the issues involved in the case. (b) What are the options available to you? Which of these options will you choose? Justify your stand with logical arguments.

(a) Issues involved in the case :-

(1) large number of girls were being sexually exploited for may be several years. (2) Probable nexus between politician, criminals & police. (3) Public pressure to act swiftly (4) Pressure from seniors [officers from my department] (5) Political pressure to cover

up the case. (6) Sensationalization by Media. (7) Upcoming election → preparedness and associated work.

(b) Options available to me are :-

(1) Going slow in investigation

(2) Going very swiftly in case

(3) delegating my power to someone else - transfer the case and take few days leave

(4) Undertaking scientific investigation with impartial attitude; and making a strong case

Merit → This is what 'my duty' and commitment to public service demands. Other Steps (i) Political, criminal & seniors pressure is part of life of a public servant. They should learn to deal with the situation (iii) I would also investigate about the nexus by using local intelligence (iv) Arrange for proper rehabilitation & treatment of affected women. (v) Media houses → I would use them if required for investigative journalism to know about the nexus but at the same time request them not to sensationalize the issue. (vi) I would arrange for frequent media briefings to instill a sense of confidence in general public.