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flags lackadaisical attitude of , orders inquiry on threat calls
The has pulled up the for its “lackadaisical attitude” after a cab driver, a key witness in a murder trial, alleged receiving threat calls that were never investigated. Justice Girish Kathpalia, hearing a in the case, directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police () to inquire into the allegations and, if warranted, register a case and investigate.
The case arises from FIR No. 762/2020 registered at for offences under Sections 302, 120B, 420, 468, 471, and 34 of the . According to the prosecution, the applicant, Ms. Faizal, allegedly murdered a person with whom she had an extramarital affair, with the help of co-accused Zuber. After the killing, Ms. Faizal and her mother, Ms. Shaheen Naaz, allegedly packed the body in a box and hired a cab to transport it to Nizamuddin Railway Station, from where Zuber arranged for its shipment to Gujarat, where it was eventually recovered.
The applicant’s counsel argued that a previous had been withdrawn with liberty to file afresh after the examination of the cab driver, and that since his had been recorded, the present application deserved consideration. The State opposed the plea.
During the hearing, the court examined the of the cab driver, who testified that he had been receiving regular threat calls from mobile number 9971409160. When Justice Kathpalia asked the about the status of the phone number, Inspector Rajender expressed inability to explain. The , Inspector Rajesh Kumar, then stated that since the cab driver had not lodged a , no action was taken.
“This is not acceptable, to say the least,” the court remarked.
Noting that the cab driver’s was recorded on , the court observed that the should have, on his own, inquired into the allegation and taken appropriate action. “It is such lackadaisical attitude of the police machinery that public witnesses so frequently to prosecution,” Justice Kathpalia added.
The court directed that a copy of its order be sent to the concerned with instructions to inquire into the threat calls and, if considered appropriate, register a case and investigate. A , to be personally signed by the , is to be filed at least one week before the next hearing.
The matter has been listed for further proceedings on in the .
The order underscores the judiciary’s concern over and police inaction, which often undermines the prosecution’s case and erodes public confidence in the criminal justice system.
