Veteran singer held in POCSO case in Mumbai after plaint lodged in Kolkata
Times of India | 15 November 2024
12345 Kolkata: Kolkata Police apprehended singer-cum-composer Sanjay Chakraborty — brother of a famed classical singer — from Mumbai recentlyfor allegedly molesting his 16-year-old student. The minor had reportedly enrolled for music classes at Chakraborty's south Kolkata music school, Pran Sangeet Academy, in the Charu Market locality. The singer was brought back to Kolkata on transit remand after being produced at a Mumbai court. Currently, Chakraborty is under police custody until Monday, as ordered by the Alipore court.
The case, which has left the city's music fraternity shocked, came to the forefront when the girl's parents filed a formal complaint with the police in Aug. The initial complaint was filed as a ‘zero FIR' at Belgharia police station, where the victim resides. The case was later transferred to Charu Market police station, under whose jurisdiction the alleged incident took place. The complaint had disturbing allegations of inappropriate touching by the singer during what were supposed to be special music lessons or instrument training sessions.
After learning about the allegations, Chakraborty left for Mumbai. But the singer had failed to secure interim bail from the court, claimed the police.
Additional CP (II) Murlidhar Sharma confirmed the arrest, stating, "A case was registered against the singer on Sept 9 under IPC sections pertaining to molestation and insulting the modesty of a woman, along with sections 10 and 12 of the POCSO Act. The accused was arrested from Akruli Road at Kandhavali East on Sunday following inputs and technical surveillance."
Supporters of the singer expressed dismay over what they claim to be a hasty arrest without a thorough examination of evidence. But police sources maintained that all legal procedures were meticulously followed.
Investigators have already recorded the girl's statement before a magistrate, a crucial step in cases involving POCSO Act violations. The police are now preparing to file a comprehensive chargesheet in the coming days. As the investigation continues, authorities have assured that all aspects of the case will be thoroughly examined to ensure justice is served.