* Dedicated IOs to investigate criminal cases for foolproof investigation
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 23: The Government is going to improve the criminal justice system in the state by fine tuning the investigation process, improving infrastructure and deputing dedicated Police officers for investigation.
This was stated by Minister for Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Law and Justice, Abdul Haq Khan while reviewing the performance of prosecution wing of Police Department and investigation wings of Law Department here today.
The Minister said it is the responsibility of the State Government to ensure that justice is delivered to citizens. He directed the officials of prosecution to ensure speedy disposal of criminal cases so that justice is delivered at earliest.
Abdul Haq said he will regularly monitor the performance of prosecutors, public prosecutors and other field staff and action will be taken against those who fail to ensure speedy trial or investigation of cases. Minister further stated that promotions will only be made based on performance of the officers.
During the meeting it was observed that the investigation process gets affected because the Investigating Officers (IOs) are simultaneously performing investigation and law & order duties. Minister said the Government is planning to have a separate investigation wing in police stations and professional investigators will be deputed to bring efficiency in the process.
Calling for mutual cooperation between prosecution wing of Law Department and investigation wing of Police Department, Abdul Haq said the officers of both the wings need to work diligently and in close synergy to provide justice to the aggrieved people. He said coordination between the investigating agencies, forensic experts, medical experts and prosecutors can lead to foolproof mechanism for establishing strong cases during criminal trial.
Expressing concern over certain shortcomings in drug related cases, the Minister directed law officials to make the cases strong and foolproof to ensure that the alleged criminals do not go scot-free. He asked the Director Prosecution to issue guidelines to the Prosecuting Officers to plug lacunas in such cases. He also directed DIGs to take regular reviews of working of Prosecuting Officers, Public Prosecutors and Investigating Officers.
He called for upgrading the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) and asked the Director FSL to make relevant recommendations to Home Department for its up-gradation.
He also called upon Director Health Jammu to ensure that medical reports related to criminal cases should be provided to investigating team immediately and doctors should ensure their attendance in court cases to provide their statements when required.
The meeting was attended by Advocate General Jahangir Iqbal Ganaie, Director General of Police SP Vaid, DIG of Jammu-Kathua-Samba range, Secretary Law, Abdul Majeed Bhat, Additional Secretary Home, Director Prosecution Jammu, Director FSL, Senior Prosecuting Officers, Chief Prosecuting Officers, Prosecuting Officers, Additional Prosecuting Officers and law officers of various district courts.
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