Delhi Police Officer Rebuked for Misconduct in POCSO Case

A sessions court criticized a Delhi Police official for misconduct involving the release of a man accused of raping a minor. The court noted that the official misled a magisterial court and was possibly complicit with the accused. The court demanded an explanation from senior police authorities and scheduled a hearing.

A sessions court has criticized a Delhi Police official for serious misconduct in securing the release of a man accused of raping a minor by misleading a magisterial court.

Judge Amit Sahrawat directed the appearance of the deputy commissioner of police (DCP) to explain the investigating officer's (IO) actions, noting that her conduct suggested collusion with the accused.

The official, Sub-Inspector Anjali Panwar, filed an application under a deficient evidence section, which the competent court did not consider valid. The court stressed that the authenticity of the victim's statements could only be determined through a trial, not prematurely through the IO's application.

The IO’s actions leading to the accused’s release raised serious concerns, with the court describing her conduct as abnormal and indicative of an agenda to free the accused from judicial custody, deeming it a blunder.

The sessions court ordered senior police officials to be informed and demanded accountability. The court also noted that such behavior by police officers poses a threat to victims seeking justice, prompting it to schedule further proceedings.