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When Cops Investigate Cops: Telangana HC Orders Fresh Probe into Sub-Inspector's Suicide
In a ruling that underscores the need for impartiality in police investigations, the has transferred the probe into the 2017 suicide of Sub-Inspector P. Prabhaker Reddy to the . Justice N. Tukaramji held that allegations against fellow officers create an "," mandating an independent inquiry to uphold rights. The family of the deceased, including wife Pinninti Rachana Reddy and mother Pinninti Venkatamma, had approached the court via Writ Petition No. 1573 of 2018, accusing superiors of abetment and evidence tampering.
As reported in legal circles, this decision aligns with growing judicial scrutiny on internal police probes, echoing sentiments that
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A Cop's Desperate Act Amid Alleged Torment
The tragedy unfolded on , when Prabhakar Reddy, stationed at Kukunoorpally Police Station in Siddipet district, shot himself with his service revolver at police headquarters during lunch hours. An FIR (Crime No. 110/2017) was swiftly registered under () based on a complaint by the deceased's brother-in-law, Bhaskar Reddy, suspecting harassment by the then Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Gajwel.
The petitioners claimed Reddy faced relentless coercion from the ACP, forced into "illegal and unofficial acts," leading to severe mental distress. They alleged the officer rushed to the scene post-suicide, screened the area, pocketed a crucial suicide note, tampered with evidence, and removed valuables like rings and chains from the body. Despite pleas, the local police investigation dragged on, fueling fears of a cover-up.
Family's Cry for Justice vs. Police's Version of Events
Petitioners' side : argued the death stemmed directly from the ACP's abuse of power, not personal woes. They highlighted the missing note, scene interference, and exclusion from the probe as signs of collusion. A fair investigation under was demanded, with transfer to CBCID to prevent miscarriage of justice.
Respondents' defense : The State, represented by (noted as in hearings), countered via affidavits. They attributed the suicide to Reddy's distress over a prior alcohol-related incident (Crime No. 563/2017) linked to another suicide, fearing career ruin. Postmortem confirmed gunshot wounds; forensics cleared tampering claims. Valuables were recovered from the brother's home, and a final report was filed post-hearing, denying bias.
Judicial Lens: Bias Can't Be Ignored, Even Without Proof
Justice Tukaramji meticulously weighed the narratives, noting undisputed facts: suicide by service weapon and Section 306 FIR. Yet, he invoked Supreme Court precedents like Babubhai v. State of Gujarat (2010) 12 SCC 254 and State of West Bengal v. Committee for Protection of Democratic Rights (2010) 3 SCC 571, affirming fair investigation as core to .
The court distinguished: while no were proven, "" suffices when police probe their own. Factors tipping the scale included prolonged delays, unaddressed tampering claims, the missing note's "significant evidentiary value," and departmental loyalty risks. Local police handling "does not inspire confidence," warranting transfer.
Key Observations from the Bench
“In cases where allegations are made against police officials themselves, investigation by the same agency may give rise to a . Even in the absence of proven , is sufficient to warrant transfer of investigation.”
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“The investigation conducted by the local police does not inspire confidence and falls short of the constitutional mandate of a fair and impartial investigation under of the Constitution of India.”
Fresh Start: CBCID Takes the Reins
The writ stands allowed. Key orders: - Transfer Crime No. 110/2017 to CBCID for , scrutinizing abetment, note removal, tampering, and valuables. - Hand over all records, case diary, forensics promptly. - Complete within nine months; file progress reports with magistrate.
This ruling sets a precedent for future cases involving intra-police allegations, potentially streamlining transfers to specialist agencies like CBCID. It bolsters families' faith in systemic accountability, ensuring probes aren't just thorough—but transparently so. No costs ordered; petition pronounced .
