CP asks senior cops to clear backlog of cases
NEW DELHI: In a bid to clear the massive backlog of pending cases, Delhi Police, Commissioner Amulya Patnaik in a crime review meeting with deputy commissioners (DCPS) of all districts and units of Delhi Police directed them to expedite the process with proper investigation, highly placed police sources told Millennium Post.
The sources added that joint commissioners and deputy commissioners will be able to keep tabs on the probe undertaken by investigating officers (IO) in all cases pending for more than a couple of years.
They further claimed that in the meeting, held in the police headquarters, Patnaik discussed the standing order 444/2016 of Delhi Police and asked senior officials for proper implementation. The order lays down instructions for expeditious investigation of cases in the city police.
“Another reason behind the top cop’s directive is to make sure that DCPS ensure that IOS are properly conducting that investigation, as well as monitored by assistant commissioners,” sources added.
According to a senior officer, in the investigation of cases related to economic offences which are not completed within one year, the IO or station house officer (SHO) shall seek further time of inquiry from the concerned DCP, along with reasons of delay.
“In cases other than economic offences, the IO or SHO shall seek further time for investigation from ACP concerned along with reasons of delay. The concerned supervisory officer (DCP/ACP) shall examine the reason of delay as well as the case file,” said the officer.
In case there is undue delay in the completion of the investigation, the DCP/ACP shall fix the responsibility of concerned officers and take appropriate action, he added.
The standing order, accessed by Millennium Post, claimed that if the investigation of any case (other than economic offences) cannot be completed within two years, the concerned ACP will seek further time from the concerned DCP. In the same way, if the investigation cannot be wrapped up within three years, the DCP shall an extension for the probe from the concerned Joint Commissioner of Police who will examine the reason of delay.
The DCP concerned shall ensure that for improving the quality of investigation, the workload of an IO should not be excessive. Sources further claimed that direct monitoring by the senior level officers in every case would end corrupt practices in lower rank officials and personnel.