Facebook arrests: IGP's report slams Palghar cops, advocates inquiry

This may be small solace to Shaheen Dhada and Rini Srinivasan after what they had to endure, but the Palghar cops who arrested them over a Facebook post are likely to face action in the coming days.

A 150-page report submitted to Director General of Police (DGP) Sanjeev Dayal by Inspector General of Police (Konkan Range) Sukhwinder Singh has recommended departmental inquiry against the cops who investigated the case.

Shaheen Dhada and Rini Srinivasan. File Pics

Shaheen and Rini, both 21, were arrested last Sunday for lamenting in a Facebook post the shutdown in the city due to Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray's funeral. Some alleged Sena men also ran amok in a hospital owned by Shaheen'suncle.

In trouble now: According to sources, Senior Inspector Uttam Sonawane and Inspector Shreekant Pingle may be suspended for arresting Shaheen Dhada and Rini Srinivasan. File Pics

The two young women were later released on bail, but claim they were first forced to tender written apologies by cops. u00a0Shiv Sainiks had lodged a complaint against the duo and Palghar police had registered a case under Sections 295 (A) and 505 (2) of the IPC, pertaining to insulting religious beliefs and promoting enmity and hatred.

"Palghar police did not seek opinion of legal authorities before registering the case and also arrested the women in haste," said a senior cop from the DGP's office.

Senior Inspector Uttam Sonawane and Inspector Shreekant Pingle are expected to face action and, sources say, may even be suspended. Singh had collated statements of around 15 people before submitting the report to the DGP's office.

According to sources, Palghar police disobeyed orders from seniors who asked them not to charge the women under particular sections of the IPC. The officers had apparently also contacted a senior police official from the law and order department after arresting the women in an attempt to garner support for their actions.u00a0