Kanpur: An Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Mohammad Mohsin Khan, has been booked on charges of rape after allegedly deceiving a 26-year-old research scholar at IIT-Kanpur with a false promise of marriage. The officer, a 2013-batch Provincial Police Service officer in Uttar Pradesh, had enrolled as a PhD scholar at the institute five months ago.

The Allegations

According to the complaint filed by the research scholar, Khan concealed his marital status and initiated a relationship with her, promising to marry her. When she discovered his marriage and confronted him, Khan allegedly assured her he would divorce his wife. However, he later reneged on this promise, prompting the woman to file a police complaint.

Police Action

Following the complaint, an FIR was registered against the ACP under Section 69 of the BNS Act, which pertains to engaging in sexual relationships through deceit or false promises of marriage. Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) Ankita Sharma confirmed that Khan has been removed from his current posting in Kanpur and attached to the police headquarters in Lucknow.

“To ensure a fair and impartial investigation, the officer has been stripped of his duties and transferred. An SIT (Special Investigation Team) has been formed to investigate the matter thoroughly,” Sharma said. The SIT, led by Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Archana Singh, has been tasked with conducting a detailed inquiry into the allegations.

Campus Investigation

IIT-Kanpur administration had initially received the complaint from the scholar, leading to an internal inquiry. The findings were shared with the Kanpur Commissioner of Police, prompting further action. DCP Sharma and ADCP Singh visited the IIT-Kanpur campus to meet the complainant and verify her claims.

“Prima facie, the allegations against the ACP appear credible. The SIT will proceed with a fact-based investigation,” a police official said.

IIT-Kanpur’s Support

IIT-Kanpur Director Manindra Agrawal issued a statement expressing support for the student. “The institute is committed to providing all necessary assistance to the student during this difficult time. We appreciate the swift response from the police and are cooperating fully with the investigation,” he said.

ACP’s Background and Case Details

Khan, who was pursuing a PhD in cybercrime and criminology at IIT-Kanpur, had developed a relationship with the research scholar during his time at the institute. Despite the gravity of the allegations, he has not yet been arrested.

The incident has raised concerns about abuse of power and trust within academic institutions, especially involving individuals in influential positions. The investigation is ongoing, and the SIT has been directed to resolve the case based on facts and evidence.

This case underscores the importance of accountability and a robust mechanism to address complaints of misconduct, particularly in environments that demand mutual respect and integrity.