Sat Jun 21 13:07:22 UTC 2025: ## News Article:
**Assam Court Orders Charges Against IPS Officer in Molestation Case**
**Diphu, Assam – June 21, 2025** – A special court in Karbi Anglong, Assam, has ordered the framing of charges against IPS officer Gaurav Upadhyay under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The charges stem from a 2019 incident involving the alleged sexual molestation of a 14-year-old girl.
Special Judge R. Lal, presiding over the POCSO court, stated that evidence indicated two instances of sexual assault by Upadhyay, who was serving as the Superintendent of Police of Karbi Anglong at the time. The alleged assaults occurred at the SP’s residence in Diphu and later in a hotel room where the victim was staying with her family.
The case was registered in January 2020 following a formal complaint. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) conducted an investigation and subsequently filed a charge sheet against Upadhyay.
Upadhyay, a 2012 batch IPS officer from Uttar Pradesh, currently holds several key positions within the Assam government, including Additional Secretary of the State Transport Department, State Project Director of the Assam Inland Water Transport Development Society, and Project Officer for the Assam Integrated River Basin Management.
The court’s order highlighted that the alleged incidents occurred within Upadhyay’s jurisdiction and authority as a police officer, thus triggering specific clauses under the POCSO Act. The charges also include sections related to assault or criminal force with the intent to outrage a woman’s modesty and sexual harassment under the IPC.
Acknowledging the prolonged pre-trial phase, the court emphasized the need for expedited proceedings in POCSO cases, aligning with judicial precedents and legislative mandates. August 21 has been set as the date for recording Upadhyay’s plea regarding the charges.
First Piper 