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Srinagar: An Indian Air Force officer, Wing Commander PK Sehrawat, has been charged with the rape, mental harassment, and stalking of a female Flying Officer at the Air Force Station in Srinagar, Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The authorities have initiated a formal investigation following the victim’s complaint, which highlighted a disturbing series of events during a New Year’s celebration.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the complaint lodged at the Police Station Budgam falls under Section 376(2) of the Indian Penal Code, which addresses aggravated rape by persons in positions of authority. The incident reportedly took place on December 31, 2023, at the Officers’ Mess during a party where the accused allegedly coerced the victim into his room under the guise of retrieving a gift, only to sexually assault her.
The victim, whose identity remains protected, described a harrowing ordeal of being sexually assaulted and harassed by Wing Commander Sehrawat. Despite her resistance and pleas for him to stop, she was forcibly assaulted. Following the incident, the victim faced numerous challenges in seeking justice, including a mishandled investigation, significant delays, and procedural lapses that hindered the case’s progress.
Further complicating her pursuit of justice were the obstacles in reporting the assault, such as delays in obtaining a timely medical examination and biased proceedings by the Internal Committee tasked with investigating the incident. She also reported sustained harassment post-assault, including undue surveillance of her personal communications and social interactions, which have greatly affected her psychological well-being and mental health.
In response to the gravity of the accusations and the sensitivity of the case, the Police Station Budgam has appointed an Inspector-ranked officer to lead the investigation.
This case adds to a growing list of similar incidents within the Indian armed forces, underscoring persistent issues of sexual misconduct and a culture that often silences victims, thereby shielding perpetrators from accountability.
Source: Kashmir Media Service
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