The Punjab State Commission for Women has taken suo motu cognisance of serious allegations against Phillaur Station House Officer (SHO) Bhushan Kumar, who is accused of misbehaving with a minor rape victim and her mother. The Commission’s move comes in the wake of an audio clip that went viral on social media, along with media reports alleging indecent conduct by the police officer.
In a notice issued to the Jalandhar Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), the Commission expressed grave concern over the alleged behaviour of the SHO, stating that instead of performing his duty to investigate a sensitive case of sexual assault involving a minor, the officer made inappropriate and indecent advances toward the victim and her mother. The Commission stated that such acts represent not only a moral and professional failure but also a deep violation of the dignity and rights of women.
The Commission said it had taken suo motu action under Section 12 of the Punjab State Commission for Women Act, 2001, which empowers it to intervene in cases where the rights, honour, or safety of women are at risk. The notice mentioned that the Commission’s attention was drawn to the matter through both the viral audio clip and extensive media coverage highlighting the alleged misconduct.
“The Commission views such incidents with utmost seriousness. The safety, respect, and dignity of women in Punjab are paramount, and any officer found guilty of such misconduct will be held fully accountable,” the notice read.
The Commission directed the Jalandhar SSP to immediately appoint an officer of the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) to conduct an impartial inquiry. The DSP has been instructed to take necessary legal action against both the accused in the minor’s rape case and SHO Bhushan Kumar for his alleged indecent behaviour. The SSP has also been asked to submit a comprehensive status report to the Commission, detailing the progress of the investigation and the steps taken so far.
Additionally, the Commission has ordered that both the victim’s family and the SHO be present before it on October 13, 2025, at 11am to record their statements.
The controversy began when an audio clip allegedly featuring the SHO surfaced online, in which he was purportedly heard making suggestive remarks and summoning the victim’s mother to visit him alone. The clip quickly gained traction on social media and was picked up by multiple media outlets, sparking outrage and condemnation over the behaviour of a police officer handling a rape case involving a minor.
Sources within the Jalandhar Rural police confirmed that a departmental inquiry is already underway, and SHO has been sent to Police Lines. "We are investigating the case from all angles, and necessary action against the accused and whosoever found guilty will be taken", they added.