Delay in FIR in alleged murder case: Inquiry marked against investigating officer; SHO gets show-cause notice

Karam Prakash

Tribune News Service

Patiala, July 7

The police on today ordered a departmental inquiry against the Investigating Officer (IO) over delay in registering an FIR in an alleged murder case. Besides, a show-cause notice has already been issued to the Kotwali Station House Officer (SHO).

The police had lodged complaint under Section 174 of the CrPC. Despite doubtful report of post-mortem, no follow-up action was taken by cops.

Notably, the post-mortem report, which arrived on May 4, had disclosed that the victim had died of asphyxia caused by smothering and strangulation.

The police finally filed an FIR and booked Sikander Kumar, husband of deceased Poonam, for alleged murder under Section 302 of the IPC on late Tuesday night.

The FIR is stated to have been filed after the issue was raised in these columns and delay in filing an FIR by the police was highlighted.

The suspect, Sikander Kumar, as per the FIR, had allegedly strangulated his wife Poonam to death. The police further stated that the suspect used to harass his wife for dowry.

Poonam had tied the knot with Sikander, a resident of Mathura Colony, Patiala, one-and-a-half-year ago. The family of the deceased had cut ties with Poonam after she had married the suspect without their permission. In fact, victim’s family members were not in touch with her. They came to know about her death only after a few weeks of the incident.

Madan Bind, brother of the deceased, said, “The police have named only husband in the FIR. The police have to name other family members as well because they also used to harass my sister and would side with the suspect. I will meet senior officials over the issue.”

The Patiala SSP, Sandeep Garg, said, “We have ordered a departmental probe against the investigating officer for delay in filing an FIR despite the post-mortem report revealing strangulation and smothering of the victim. Moreover, a show-cause notice has been issued to the SHO concerned.”

When contacted, the Station House Officer, Inder Pal Singh, said, “I am still not aware why there was a delay in filing an FIR. I will look into the matter.”