HC summons Panipat SP

Saurabh Malik

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, January 17

More than a year after an FIR was registered in a missing youngster’s case, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has set a 10-day deadline for the Haryana DGP to make clear the state’s stand on handing over investigation into the case to an independent agency. The Panipat SP has also been directed to remain present in the court along with the relevant record on the next date of hearing.

The directions by Justice Rajan Gupta came on a contempt petition filed by the missing boy’s father Raghubir against Panipat SP Rajesh Duggal. A copy of the petition was handed over to counsel for the state on the previous date of hearing to enable him to seek instructions.

Appearing before Justice Gupta’s Bench, counsel for the state submitted that investigation was carried out after the registration of the FIR in the matter. But the police was not able to find any clue to the whereabouts of the petitioner’s son, Davinder. He added a speaking order had been passed in the case on the complaints received in the matter.

Taking up the matter, Justice Gupta minced no words to say the perusal of the order passed did not reveal the manner in which the investigation was carried out. It also did not reveal whether forensic techniques were applied or competent investigator was assigned the job.

“As the matter involves the question of life and liberty of a citizen, this court would require further assistance in the matter. A query has been put to counsel for the state whether at any stage it was considered to hand over the investigation to an independent agency in view of inter-state ramifications involved. He submits that he needs some time to seek instructions from the DGP, Haryana. Ten days’ time is granted for the purpose,” Justice Gupta asserted while fixing month-end for further hearing in the matter.