The court referred the matter to the police commissioner for evaluation of the investigation.
Amar Ujala Bureau
New Delhi. A Delhi court removed an SI from investigation for negligent and unprofessional conduct in a case related to the 2020 North-East Delhi riots. Also sent it to the Commissioner of Police for evaluation of the investigation. Additional Sessions Judge Pulastya Pramachala was presiding over a case registered at Khajuri Khas police station against some persons under sections including rioting, theft, robbery and arson.
The judge, in an order issued last week, directed the police commissioner to evaluate the investigation carried out by SI Vipin Kumar in the case and the misrepresentation of facts to higher authorities. Later 10 complaints were added in this case. The court had on May 1 sought the response of the Deputy Commissioner of Police (North-East) to provide relevant evidence including the timing of each incident. The matter was referred to the DCP and asked to assess the preliminary investigation done by the investigating officer. Sufficient evidence was not brought on record in this. Whether each complaint was actually investigated in time and on what basis the accused were fingered. During the subsequent proceedings on May 10, the judge said as per the report of the DCP that a report was called for from the IO, but it was not found suitable. The present SHO and the investigating officer were directed to provide a more specific summary to the court. Commenting on the report, Assistant Commissioner of Police and SHO, Khajuri, Judge said that the special police station has been directed to review the entire matter and get the investigation done by another officer, if necessary.
The court, in its order, noted that sufficient evidence was not produced to show what exactly was done in respect of each complaint. Also asked the time of each incident and the basis of pointing fingers at the accused. During the hearing on May 10, the judge had said that according to the report of the DCP, the report of the investigating officer was not correct.
The judge noted that SI Kumar in his report to the senior officer had stated that a complainant had told that the mob had set houses on fire at 11 am on February 25, 2020. In this case, 10 complaints were added, but the charge sheet and statements of witnesses do not mention the timing of many incidents. The court said that the timing of the incident is an important part of the investigation and due to incomplete investigation, the court has not been able to frame charges so far. The next hearing on the matter has been fixed for July 20.