The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Court orders transfer of case to District Crime Branch

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Monday, Sep 01, 2008
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Court orders transfer of case to District Crime Branch

K.T. Sangameswaran

CHENNAI: Coming down heavily on the local police for delayed registration and lethargy in investigation of a case, the Madras High Court has ordered its transfer to the District Crime Branch (DCB).

“I could see the irresponsibility of the investigating officer. Though it is a cognisable offence, proceedings have not been initiated in a manner known to law”, Justice R. Regupathi said.

On July 31 this year, Gurumurthi, a branch manager of the Indusland Bank, Dharmapuri district, along with two anti-social elements, threatened a person with dire consequences if he did not repay loan arrears. Apprehending danger, the person consumed poison and was admitted to the government hospital, Salem, and, after treatment, was shifted to a private hospital.

The manager’s counsel submitted that the person had obtained a loan of Rs.12.50 lakh after depositing title deeds with an agreement to repay it in 35 instalments. The instalments were not paid and the manager demanded payment of arrears. The manager was not responsible for the loanee’s attempt to commit suicide.

In his order dismissing an anticipatory bail petition by the manager, Mr. Justice Regupathi pointed out that a demand notice to initiate civil proceedings was not sent to the victim. After the person consumed pesticide and was admitted to hospital on July 31, the case was taken on file by the Morappur police only on August 3.

Even after the delayed registration, the police were lethargic and never showed interest in properly investigating the case in a manner known to law, though manager’s counsel admitted that the official was all along available at the bank. The Judge said since the police were incompetent to investigate the case, he was ordering the transfer of the case to the DCB, Dharmapuri district. He directed the district Superintendent of Police to entrust the investigation to a competent officer.

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