New Delhi [India]: The Rohini Sessions Court in Delhi has directed strict disciplinary action against three police officials for gross negligence in investigating a serious acid attack case. According to the sources.
In a recent order, Additional Sessions Judge Dhirendra Rana detailed the major procedural lapses that fettered the investigation, particularly the failure of the initial investigating officers to collect crucial evidence.
Head Constable (HC) Krishan and Sub-Inspector (SI) Sandeep were found to have neglected seizing key forensic evidence, including a mattress stained with acid and the victim’s clothing from the time of the attack. The court noted that this oversight was a significant breach of investigative protocol, potentially affecting the case’s integrity.
The investigation was later transferred to SI Ved Parkash, who recovered the acid-stained mattress and a saree from the victim’s residence. However, during her testimony, the victim clarified that although the saree belonged to her, it was not the one she had worn during the attack.
Details of the Brutal Acid Attack
According to the prosecution, the attack took place on June 17, 2018, at around 9:00 AM. The victim, who was at her residence, was allegedly attacked by her mother-in-law, sister-in-law, and other accused individuals.
The victim was reportedly strangled, and her uncle held her by the hair while her husband forcefully poured acid into her mouth. Despite the horrifying assault, she managed to contact her brother, who then alerted the police. A First Information Report (FIR) was subsequently registered at the Shahbad Dairy Police Station.
As a result of the attack, the victim suffered severe injuries, including permanent blindness in one eye and significant speech impairment. She was hospitalized and examined ten days later after regaining consciousness.
Court Slams Police Negligence In Acid Attack Case
Advocates Ravi Drall and Aditi Singh, representing the victim, argued that the failure of the police officials to secure and preserve crucial evidence led to a serious miscarriage of justice. They pointed out that the negative forensic report—which the defense used to claim that no acid was used—was a direct result of the delayed seizure of evidence, which may have led to the degradation or loss of vital forensic proof.
The court has now ordered the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) to launch an inquiry into the conduct of SI Sandeep, HC Krishan, and retired SI Ved Parkash. The court also instructed that copies of the replies filed by SI Sandeep and SI Ved Parkash, along with the court order, be sent to the DCP for further action.