A local court in Delhi on Friday reprimanded the Delhi police for failing to properly prosecute crimes relating to the anti-Muslim pogrom that took place in Northeast Delhi in February last year, Indian Express reported.
Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Arun Kumar Garg said, “The aforesaid failure on the part of said police officers to take appropriate measures for the prosecution of riots cases is causing an avoidable delay in committal/trial of riots cases.” He also warned the police of adverse orders, including imposing adjournment costs to be deducted from the salaries of the officers responsible.
The court directed the Commissioner of Delhi Police to personally look at the issues highlighted by the Court and to ensure the effective prosecution of riots cases.
Justice Garg said, “Such lackadaisical approach on the part of the prosecution as well as the Investigating Agency in riots cases has been repeatedly brought to the notice of not only the DCP North East and Joint CP Eastern Range but has also been brought to the notice of the Commissioner of Police, Delhi. However, no steps for the proper prosecution of the cases seem to have been taken by either of them and if taken, have not yet been brought to the notice of this Court”, Live Law quoted.
The development came following the case registered at Gokulpuri Police Station by a person named Rizwan, who claimed that a riotous mob of over 200-300 people had destroyed his residence and looted cash worth Rs.4,80,000 after smashing the locks.
The Investigation Officer (IO) had made an adjournment request during the hearing on Friday, claiming that he had not gone over the police file and was unable to respond to court questions. The Court observed that because the SHO was unable to assure the presence of the concerned IO, he should have delegated a substitute officer who had been briefed by the IO to appear before the Court.
The matter has been adjourned for further hearing on October 1.
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Ghazala Ahmad is the Delhi Correspondent for The Cognate.
