Nikita Murder: Govt to fast-track case

Chandigarh, October 29

Haryana is set to bring those responsible for the murder of 21-year-old Nikita to justice in record time by speeding up investigation and fast-tracking the case.

Following directions from Home Minister Anil Vij, the Haryana Police have initiated steps for speeding up investigation so that challan is filed as soon as possible for fast-tracking the case.

Vij said he had discussed the issue with Advocate General (AG) Baldev Raj Mahajan on how best the case could be fast-tracked in court.

“The police normally have to file the challan in 90 days. In this case, we have decided to do it in record time as an example,” said DGP Manoj Yadava. For this, the police had put the case in the category of “Chinhit Apradh”.

“Chinhit Apradh” is a scheme started to identify serious and sensational crimes which adversely impact the psyche of the masses by shaking their collective conscience. The scheme ensures speedy and proper trial to secure conviction through an institutional mechanism.

A state-level committee headed by the Additional Chief Secretary (Home) reviews progress in trial of cases under “Chinhit Apradh” and identifies bottlenecks in prosecution to take corrective measures.

“I cannot say when the police will present the challan since certain new angles can always come up in the course of investigation. For the sake of quickness, the police will not compromise with quality of investigation,” said Yadava.

Mahajan said there was a provision of making a request before the District and Sessions Judge for fast-tracking cases.

Vij said the police had been directed to investigate whether an earlier case of kidnapping of Nikita by main accused Tausif in 2018 was closed under pressure from the Congress as his “cousin” Aftab Ahmed was a Congress MLA and former minister.

Vij said the “love jihad” angle would also be investigated. — TNS

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