The court emphasizes the necessity for a competent investigation in criminal cases with significant delays.

J U D G M E N T

The petitioner's husband died in a road accident on

28.11.2023 at about 11.00 p.m., in the National Highway in Chombala Harbor Road Junction. The Chombala police registered a crime as Crime No.704 of 2023, alleging offences punishable under Sections 279 and 304A of IPC . The grievance of the petitioner is that, so far, the investigating officer has not found out the accused. It is in these circumstances, she has approached this Court.

2. I have heard Sri.B.Krishna Mani, the learned counsel for the petitioner and Sri.Sangeetharaj.N.R, the learned Public Prosecutor.

3. The 1^st respondent conducted investigation. He has filed a statement of facts. In the statement of facts, it is stated that even though an effective investigation was conducted and the statement of 55 witnesses were recorded, he could not find out who actually drove the vehicle at the time of the incident and caused the death of the petitioner's husband. It is further stated that the final report was filed before the jurisdictional Magistrate on 27.08.2025 as undetected.

4. I went through the statement of facts. Even though two years have elapsed, the investigating officer could not even locate the accused. In these circumstances, I am of the view that an effective investigation by a superior officer is necessary. Hence, the Dy.S.P., Vatakara is directed to take over the investigation in Crime No.704 of 2023, conduct an effective investigation and file a final report in accordance with law, within a period of six months.

Hence, this writ petition is disposed of.