STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: The Government on Tuesday closed the Departmental inquiry against Prithpal Singh (now retired), the then SDPO Akhnoor with a penalty equivalent to ‘Fine of one month’s pay’.
“Prithpal Singh (Retired I/c SP), was serving as SDPO Akhnoor during the year 2003. On March 11, 2003, a police party intercepted vehicle No.4333/JK02A, during routine checking at Muthi Bridge in the jurisdiction of SDPO Akhnoor, Jammu and narcotic substance was recovered from the possession of the two occupants of the car and a case FIR No.58/2003, under Section 20 of NDPS Act was registered in Police Station Domana against the accused, which further culminated in filing of charge-sheet under the NDPS Act. The case, however, ended in acquittal of accused by the Additional Sessions Judge, Jammu vide judgement dated August 25, 2009; and Whereas, the defence argued that the procedure provided under NDPS Act, was not followed by the Police during search, seizure and arrest of contraband and arrest of the accused, which resulted in acquittal of accused,” reads govt order.
It added “Director General of Police (DGP), J&K was directed to institute an inquiry against the Investigating Officer and other officials involved with the case, so as to, ascertain that why the two samples weighing 100 grams each as were taken and sealed have not reached to FSL for analysis, etc.”
“On April 27, 2016, V.K Singh, IPS, was appointed as Inquiry Officer, to conduct an inquiry in terms of Rule 33 of J&K Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1956, into the charges framed against Prithpal Singh, and the Inquiry Officer in his report dated May 10, 2018, observed that the delinquent officer was duty bound to list the inherent defects in investigation (with regard to the variations in the weights of the samples sent to FSL for opinion) in light of FSL report with regard to the nature of contraband. The Inquiry Officer further concluded that the delinquent officer should have reflected this defect in his findings before passing the challan, for which he should be held responsible,” it stated and added, “Keeping in view the fact that Prithpal Singh, the then SDPO Akhnoor, had a limited role in the investigation, but was duty bound in terms of Rule 658 of the Police Rule to fully satisfy himself and point out defects in investigation before approving challan, a minor punishment has been recommended by the Inquiry Officer.”
The Inquiry Officer in his report concluded that the charges served upon the delinquent officer are established and recommended a Warning.
The report of the Inquiry Officer was examined with reference to the facts of the case, evidence brought on record, conclusions drawn by the Inquiry Officer, and opinion of the Department of Law, Justice & Parliamentary Affairs, and the matter was accordingly placed before the competent authority, which while conveying its decision to accept the findings of the Inquiry Officer and to close the inquiry against Prithpal Singh directed to impose a penalty, equivalent to ‘Fine of one month’s pay'(calculated as per last pay drawn), as provided under clause (ii) of Rule 30 of Jammu and Kashmir Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1956, on the retired officer, to be deducted from his pension.