Gang breaks into judges’ chambers, burns court files to destroy evidence

Judge promises speedy trial as police ordered to find suspects in 24 hours

Authorities are investigating after a gang broke into the chambers of four judges in Bihar and set on fire court records — apparently to destroy evidence.

Police said the gang raided the chambers on Sunday night and ransacked the premises before “selectively” destroying the key evidence. About 100 files are said to have been destroyed.

The gang also damaged computers and furniture before leaving with a computer, mouse, UPS and keyboards, police said.

The incident came to light after court employees arrived for work on Monday morning.

“The miscreants resorted to this act with a particular motive. I have ordered for arrest of the criminals involved in the act. The case will be speedily tried,” District Judge Ram Shreshtha Roy told the media yesterday.

Local District Superintendent of Police Nidhi Rani said: “This is a very serious matter. Records in three of the four chambers of judges that were broken open have been selectively burnt. We have constituted a police team to nab the miscreants.”

She added the police had also brought forensic experts on board. Police officers have been ordered to arrest the culprits within 24 hours. Security at the court’s premises, meanwhile, has been beefed up.

The local bar association has expressed serious concern over the court raids.