The son of a Telangana judge is accused of rape; SHO called for failure to file FIR

Vodela Venkat, the SHO of the Karimnagar II Town Police Station, has been directed by a bench of the Telangana High Court, led by Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Anil Kumar Jukanti, to appear before the court on February 16 for his failure to file a formal complaint alleging rape against the son of the Principal District Session Judge, Karimnagar.

A writ case filed by an office subordinate at the district court in Karimnagar, who was dismissed for allegedly lying about her educational background, was being heard by the bench.

Prior to this, the bench had directed Roopender, the GP for Home, to counsel the SHO to file a formal complaint in the matter. Nothing was done in the matter notwithstanding the order.

Judge Aradhe expressed profound worry and dismay at the lack of action, emphasized the gravity of the situation, and threatened to issue a warrant for the SHO’s arrest if he did not show up in court as ordered.

The SHO was also reprimanded by the court for making the complainant wait a lengthy period at the police station.

Judge Aradhe condemned the alleged effort to shield the accused based only on his relationship to a judge, saying that such measures would be detrimental to the rule of law.

Advocate General Sudarshan Reddy was advised by the top judge not to trust law enforcement officials who support the SHO’s inactivity throughout the hearings.

Judge Aradhe criticized the SHO’s lack of firmness in encouraging him to follow court orders, saying that this kind of behavior is unacceptable in a country where the rule of law is enforced.

The subject was postponed until February 16.