LG directs cops to expedite investigation of POCSO cases
NEW DELHI: At a meeting with Delhi Police on Thursday, Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal directed expeditious investigation in POCSO cases, periodical analysis of conviction rates, and augmentation of Forensic Science Laboratory infrastructure.
He also stressed the need to sensitise investigating officers (IO), especially while dealing with cases related to crime against women and POCSO offences.
Baijal noted that sensitive handling can help victims deal with the trauma and even assist investigation, so that it reaches its logical conclusion swiftly.
Delhi Police made a detailed presentation in this regard, covering all relevant judicial pronouncements and departmental standing orders/ circulars. The LG was informed that investigation of crime against women cases is being accorded high priority.
In case investigation is not completed in 20 days, an alert is generated for Joint Commis- sioner of Police (Range) and Special Commissioner of Police (Law and Order).
Currently, investigation of rape cases, Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) cases and other cases of crime against women are assigned to women IOS, preferably of Sub-inspector level.
A task-force under Special CP (Crime) has also been constituted to monitor cases of crime against SC/STS and under the POCSO Act.
It was apprised that Assistant Commissioner of Police or Sub-divisional Police Officer in each sub-division of Delhi Police has been deputed as the Nodal Officer for monitoring cases of crime against women, from inception i.e. stage of registering FIRS, investigation and filing of charge sheets etc.
He/she is assisted by a woman inspector to work as the assistant nodal officer.
Further, the LG directed to take steps to address the urgent need for augmenting facilities at forensic labs and the Prosecution Branch, incommensurate with their workload.
Baijal also advised having an in-house legal cell at the level of Joint CPS (Range) for effective assessment and monitoring of the cases and to plug loopholes in the investigation.