2019 Case Resurfaces: IPS Officer Gaurav Upadhyay Accused of Assaulting 14-Year-Old Girl in Two Separate Incidents
A six-year-old sexual harassment case has come back to haunt IPS officer Gaurav Upadhyay (2012 batch, Assam cadre), with a Special POCSO Court in Karbi Anglong formally ordering the framing of charges against him. The directive was issued by Judge R. Lal on Wednesday and made public on Saturday.
Allegations: Two Assaults on Minor Girl in 2019
As per court documents, Mr. Upadhyay is accused of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl on two separate occasions in December 2019. At that time, he was serving as the Superintendent of Police (SP) for Karbi Anglong district.
First incident: Allegedly occurred at the official SP bungalow in Diphu.
Second incident: Reportedly took place in a hotel room, where the minor was staying with her mother and brother.
A formal complaint was filed by the girl’s mother in January 2020, following which the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) took over the case and filed a charge sheet naming Mr. Upadhyay as the accused.
Charges Framed Under POCSO & IPC
The court has framed charges under the following legal provisions:
Section 10 of the POCSO Act – Pertaining to aggravated sexual assault on a child.
Section 354 & 354A of the IPC – Related to outraging the modesty of a woman and sexual harassment.
The court observed that the alleged offences occurred under Upadhyay’s official jurisdiction and authority, adding to the gravity of the charges.
Where Is He Now?
Mr. Gaurav Upadhyay, originally from Uttar Pradesh, is currently serving as:
Additional Secretary, Assam State Transport Department
State Project Director, Assam Inland Water Transport Development Society
Project Officer, Assam Integrated River Basin Management
Delay in Trial Questioned
The Special Court also flagged the unusual delay in initiating trial proceedings, despite statutory guidelines and Supreme Court directions mandating fast-track hearings in POCSO-related cases. The prolonged pre-trial phase has raised concerns of deliberate stalling, according to the judge.
What’s Next?
With the charges now officially framed, the case is set to move into the trial stage, ending years of legal limbo and bringing long-awaited attention to serious allegations against a senior officer once entrusted with public safety.
