IHC rebukes sleuth for slow probe

IHC expresses dissatisfaction with the progress of an investigation into a citizen's death in a road accident

ISLAMABAD:

The Islamabad High Court Thursday expressed dissatisfaction with the progress of an investigation into a citizen's death in a road accident within the Khanna police station's jurisdiction two years ago.

This judicial rebuke came alongside directives to submit reports regarding the investigation's status and an explanation for the delayed appointment of the Islamabad Inspector General of Police (IGP) within a strict two-week timeline.

IHC Chief Justice Aamir Farooq presided over the case concerning the tragic demise of a citizen due to a road accident under the Khanna police station's jurisdiction. During the hearing, Rafaqat, the deceased's father, attended the court session accompanied by legal counsel. Public prosecutor Zohaib Gondal was also present.

The investigating officer appeared in the court and asserted that the petitioner's statement had been recorded, an FIR filed, and investigations were ongoing regarding the incident.

However, Chief Justice Farooq expressed dismay, questioning the progress made in the investigation and emphasising the responsibility of the police in such matters. He queried the timeline of events, specifically the registration date of the FIR.

The petitioner’s legal representative highlighted the elapsed two-year period since the FIR registration, stressing the lack of arrests in connection with the case. The investigating officer acknowledged the FIR's registration in 2022 but was unable to provide substantial progress updates, prompting further scrutiny from the chief justice.

Expressing frustration at the slow pace of proceedings, Chief Justice Farooq probed into the timeframe stipulated by law for submitting the challan, a legal document detailing charges against the accused. The investigating officer mentioned the 14-day deadline for challan submission as per legal requirements.

However, the chief justice rebuffed this explanation, questioning the delay in action and implying negligence by the investigating authorities. He sternly warned of potential consequences, including imprisonment and job termination for failure to complete the investigation within the set timeframe.

In a noteworthy move, Chief Justice Farooq directed Deputy Attorney General Syed Ahsan Raza to explain the delay in appointing the IG Islamabad. He emphasised the need for prompt action, suggesting that either a new IG should be appointed promptly or the existing IGs should continue until a replacement is finalised.

The Deputy Attorney General acknowledged a notification regarding the IG's appointment but was met with skepticism from the chief justice, who demanded a detailed report within two weeks, linking the delayed IG appointment to the broader issue of prolonged investigations within the police department.

The court adjourned the hearing for two weeks, signalling a strict deadline for action on both the investigation and the IG's appointment, underscoring the judiciary's commitment to expeditious legal processes and administrative accountability.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 19^th, 2024.