Open-And-Shut-Up Case

According to the police case, the 44-year-old Gaganjit Singh had raped a 54-year-old Bengali woman masseur at his home on August 12. The victim was rushed to the General Hospital in Sector 16 by Gaganjit’s driver and another maid. The woman was bleeding and had to be operated on. Gaganjit has been sent to judicial custody for 14 days.

The police now say there is ambiguity in the medico-legal report of the hospital authorities, which is hampering investigations. For instance, the report is not specific on whether the bleeding was due to forced sex or because of a sharp-edged weapon. There are also discrepancies between the FIR, the medico-legal report and the statements made by various witnesses.

The Barnalas allege that Gaganjit was framed. But the sensational case has not created any political storm. There aren’t even any theories being bandied about. The only bit out of sync with the silence all around are police sources confirming that the Union home ministry has asked for a report on the case from the Punjab police.