HC orders transfer of ATM theft cases to Crime Branch

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 31: High Court today ordered transfer of ATM theft cases from Jammu Police to the Crime Branch keeping in view the inability of former to solve the cases.
The order was passed in a petition filed by M/s Radiant Cash Management Service Pvt. Ltd, a cash management company replenishing cash in various ATMs. It was submitted that on audit of ATMs, a deficiency of Rs 69,17,800 was found, leading to the arrest of one of the custodians of ATMs on 31.01.2016 but till date no recovery has been effected.
In view of the matter being extremely technical requiring specialized know how of banking procedures, the petitioner prayed for transfer of cases from Jammu Police to Crime Branch while expressing displeasure over the investigation of Jammu Police.
After hearing Advocate KDS Kotwal appearing for the petitioner whereas Deputy AG Aseem Sawhney appearing for the State, Justice B S Walia observed, “proper investigation in the matter has not been conducted”, adding “it would be appropriate to refer the matter for investigation to the Crime Branch, Jammu in terms of SRO 202 dated 03.06.1999”.
Justice Walia directed State to transfer FIR No. 12/2016 at Police Station Janipur, FIR No. 15/2016 at Police Station Bakshi Nagar, FIR No. 8/2016 at Police Station Akhnoor and FIR No. 29/2016 at Police Station Domana to the Crime Branch Jammu for carrying out investigation and to take appropriate action in the matter in accordance with law.