DGP to inquire against cop for being absent at hearings

Mumbai: The Bombay high court has directed the director general of police (DGP) to conduct appropriate inquiry as per law against a police sub-inspector who continuously remained absent from court when the application of pre-arrest bail application of an accused was called out for hearing. Owing to the non-cooperation of the investigation officer, the public prosecutor was unable to argue the matter and it has been pending since 2016.

When the officer did finally appear before the court on specific instruction from the judge and filed an affidavit with regard to his absence, the court said it seemed to be false. As a result, the court directed an inquiry against the officer.

The anticipatory bail plea of Mohammed Imran Khan had come up for hearing in the high court in October 2016, but was adjourned because the investigating officer Sunil Wagh was not present in court. Without Mr Wagh’s assistance, the public prosecutor was unable to argue the matter and the court adjourned the hearing and granted interim relief from arrest to the accused.

The application came up for hearing several times from time to time. Finally on April 12, 2017, Justice A.S. Gadkari directed senior police inspector of Sheel-Diaghar police station, under whose jurisdiction the offence against Khan has been registered, to personally remain present in court with all the documents pertaining to the case.