Bombay High Court Criticizes Police for Handling of Serious Crime

The Bombay High Court criticized the police in Thane for their 'lackadaisical and lethargic' approach towards a serious case of attempted murder and dacoity. Justices A S Gadkari and Neela Gokhale expressed concern about the integrity of the investigation and directed the Commissioner of Police, Thane to submit a detailed affidavit by September 13.

The Bombay High Court has come down heavily on the police in Thane, decrying what it termed a 'lackadaisical and lethargic manner' of handling a grave case involving attempted murder and dacoity. The court lamented that such a casual approach makes a mockery of the criminal justice system.

A division bench comprising Justices A S Gadkari and Neela Gokhale underscored that crimes such as attempt to murder and dacoity are severe and impact society at large. These offenses necessitate thorough investigation, the bench noted in its August 23 order.

The court was hearing petitions from two individuals seeking to dismiss charges of attempted murder and dacoity against them. The police claimed that the accused had expressed a desire to settle the matter, which curtailed the investigation.

Expressing shock at the police's stance, the court reiterated the grave nature of the alleged offenses. 'Prima facie, it appears the offense alleged against the accused persons is serious in nature. It is a settled position of law that such offenses are against the society at large,' the High Court remarked.

This case, the bench said, is yet another instance of a 'lackadaisical and lethargic' investigation into severe offenses. The court criticized the police officer for being a 'silent spectator' to the crimes and suggested that he acted under pressure from the accused.

Given the serious implications of the case, the court has directed the Commissioner of Police, Thane to submit a detailed affidavit by September 13 and posted the matter for further hearing on that date.

(With inputs from agencies.)