Punjab News: Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav has issued standing orders to field officers, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the timely completion of investigations and the appearance of investigating officers as prosecution witnesses in cases under the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. This move comes in response to concerns raised by the Punjab and Haryana High Court regarding the absence of investigating officers at trial courts in drug-related cases.
DGP Orders Field Officers to Ensure Timely Completion of Investigations
To address this issue, the Punjab Police are establishing a state-level monitoring committee. This committee, led by an Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) rank officer and including a representative from the prosecution and litigation department, will oversee the pace of investigations and trials in drug-related cases. The committee will work to resolve any obstacles hindering the speedy resolution of these cases and will monitor officers for any violations or non-compliance with directives. Monthly reports on district performance and corrective measures will be prepared.
Formation of a State-Level Monitoring Committee
The standing order emphasizes the importance of recording evidence promptly in criminal cases, highlighting that delays have a negative impact on trial outcomes. It also warns that officers found assisting or harboring criminals charged under the NDPS Act will face disciplinary proceedings, and relevant provisions of the constitution and NDPS Act will be invoked.
Furthermore, police commissioners and senior superintendents of police have been directed to designate officers at specific ranks to ensure the timely appearance of prosecution witnesses before trial courts. These officers will be held personally responsible for any non-compliance with the directives. The move aims to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of investigations and trials related to drug offenses in Punjab.
Also Read: ABC sends Chandrababu Naidu to 14-day judicial remand in corruption case
Keep watching our YouTube Channel ‘DNP INDIA’. Also, please subscribe and follow us on FACEBOOK