Kanpur police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Mohammad Mohsin Khan following allegations of rape by a 26-year-old research scholar from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur. The officer, also a PhD student at the institute, has been transferred to the office of the Director General of Police (DGP) in Lucknow, while a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted to investigate the matter.
The complainant, pursuing a PhD in Cyber Crime, alleged that ACP Khan sexually exploited her under the false promise of marriage. She alleged that Khan, during their academic interactions, falsely claimed to be unmarried and assured her of entering into marriage.
Upon learning that Khan was already married, the scholar confronted Khan, asking him to end the relationship. Khan reportedly told he was in the process of obtaining a divorce and would marry her once the things were finalized. Feeling deceived, the scholar filed a complaint at Kalyanpur police station, prompting the police to register an FIR.
After the FIR was filed, Khan was immediately relieved of his duties in Kanpur and transferred to Lucknow as a Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by DCP Ankita Sharma, was formed to investigate the case. Additional Commissioner of Police Harish Chander confirmed the action, stating, “An FIR has been filed based on the complaint. Further investigation is slated to proceed under the SIT’s supervision.”
However, Khan denied the allegations, calling them “baseless.” He explained that they became friends during their PhD studies and that the scholar had been pressuring him to marry her. He claimed that allegations were made after seeing his photo with his wife. Khan also alleged that the scholar had previously self-harmed and visited his home multiple times, in order to blackmail him.
Khan, a 2013 UPPSC batch officer, has served in the police force since 2015. Known for his integrity, he was recently awarded a silver medal by DGP Prashant Kumar for his contributions in Kanpur. His colleagues expressed disbelief over the accusations and questioned the speed of the investigation, noting that police cases like these often face delays.
The student, pursuing a PhD in Cyber Crime, underwent a medical examination late at night at the Barasirohi Community Health Centre, raising further doubts about the impartiality of the process. His relatives & family question why the examination was conducted at night and at a less prominent facility when Kanpur has several well-equipped government hospitals and medical colleges.
In response to the allegations, DCP Ankita Sharma and Additional DCP Singh visited IIT Kanpur in plain clothes to meet the complainant and verify her claims. A police official stated, “Preliminary evidence supports the allegations, prompting the ACP’s immediate transfer to ensure a fair investigation.”
IIT Kanpur Director Manindra Agrawal assured full support for the student during the investigation. In a statement, he said, “The institute is committed to assisting the student and cooperating with the authorities. We urge everyone to respect her privacy during this difficult time.” The director also expressed gratitude to the city police for their prompt action.
