Lookout circular issued against ex-director of Career Academy

In a significant development, the Nahan city police have issued a lookout circular (LOC) against Manoj Rathi, former director of Career Academy at Nahan in Sirmaur district. The measure aims to prevent the accused from leaving the country amid ongoing investigations. The LOC has been communicated to the Immigration Department through the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), ensuring that all airports remain vigilant.

The police anticipate that Rathi would cooperate and join the investigation promptly. Should he fail to do so, a subsequent notice may be issued. Sources indicate that while the charges against him are non-bailable, they carry a sentence of less than seven years. Consequently, the initial notice emphasises his participation in the investigation.

In a related development, the victim has recorded her statement earlier in court. Notably, during a recent meeting of the academy, the management decided to suspend Manoj Rathi from his director position, appointing Madhulika Rathi as his successor.

ASP Yogesh Rolta confirmed the issuance of the LOC, stating that if the accused does not cooperate with the investigation, the possibility of arrest cannot be ruled out.

A lookout circular is an instrument used by the government to control and restrict the movement of individuals accused of crimes, ensuring they do not flee the country. It is typically issued by police, intelligence agencies or the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The primary purpose of an LOC is to prevent individuals from evading legal proceedings by leaving the country. The legal basis for an LOC is outlined in an office memorandum issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs in 2021, which sets forth its guidelines.

The issuance of an LOC involves alerting immigration authorities at all entry and exit points, including airports, seaports and land borders, to monitor and detain individuals attempting to travel internationally. This ensures that persons under investigation or facing legal proceedings remain within the jurisdiction to face due process.

The case against Manoj Rathi underscores the commitment of law enforcement agencies in Himachal Pradesh to uphold justice and ensure that individuals involved in legal proceedings are held accountable. The community awaits further developments as the investigation progresses.