The Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) has accused the Sikkim Police of bias and inaction in handling cases related to cyberbullying and sexual harassment of its women party leaders on social media. The party alleged that despite repeated complaints, FIRs filed by the opposition are often ignored or delayed, reflecting what it termed a “politically motivated approach” by the authorities.
Addressing the issue, Komal Chamling, Cheli Morcha In-charge of the SDF, said that a party delegation visited the Sikkim State Women’s Commission, the Director General of Police (DGP), and the Home Secretary on October 27 to submit a memorandum regarding the recent wave of online harassment targeting Yojana Khaling Rai, SDF spokesperson, and another prominent female opposition leader.
Chamling said that while both the Women’s Commission and the DGP’s office received the memorandum positively, they informed the delegation that tracing the perpetrators through Facebook would be a lengthy process as it is an international platform.
However, Chamling expressed dissatisfaction over what she called a “selective attitude” of the police department in dealing with political cases. “Whenever SDF members file complaints, FIRs are rarely registered without prolonged persuasion. But in cases involving ruling Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) members, even mere suspicion leads to immediate arrests,” she said.
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Citing previous examples, Chamling recalled the assault on SDF spokesperson Anand Rai, whose FIR was reportedly accepted only after several hours of insistence. “This reflects a pattern of bias in how police handle opposition-related cases,” she stated.
Chamling also raised concerns over the spread of fake Facebook profiles being used to defame and harass SDF women leaders. “These accounts are locked, with no friends or activity, and clearly created for targeted online abuse. Both Yojana Khaling Rai and another opposition leader have been attacked in an organised manner by such fake IDs,” she added.
The SDF further questioned why the SKM government and police authorities have not initiated a thorough probe into the issue. “If these fake accounts are not linked to SKM supporters, why is there hesitation to investigate and arrest those behind them?” Chamling asked, adding that the party’s lack of trust in the police stems from repeated experiences of bias and delay.
Despite the concerns, Chamling said the SDF has followed due legal process and expects a fair investigation from the state authorities.
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