Court Slams Delhi Police for 6-Year Delay in Arresting MCOCA Accused
A Special Court has reprimanded Delhi Police for failing to arrest MCOCA accused for six years, allowing them to commit further heinous crimes.
A Special Court at the Rouse Avenue complex has sternly reprimanded the Delhi Police for their failure to arrest two accused individuals for six years, despite them being booked under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA). The court observed that this prolonged inaction has allowed the suspects to remain at large, continuing to engage in serious criminal activities, including murder and attempted murder.
"Mockery" of Best Efforts: Court Criticizes Police Report
During the proceedings, the court expressed sharp dissatisfaction with a report submitted by the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) for the Outer North District. The DCP had claimed that "best efforts" were being made to apprehend the suspects, a statement the court dismissed as a "mockery."
The court noted that despite a July 2024 circular from the Delhi Police Headquarters emphasizing the need for expeditious investigations and timely arrests to prevent further crime, the investigation had languished for over half a decade. The judge remarked that the lackadaisical approach of the police suggests a sense of being unaccountable to the court and the general public, who have suffered due to the activities of the crime syndicate.
Judicial Orders and Accountability
The Special Judge (MCOCA), Gaurav Rao, highlighted that the failure to act undermines the very intent of the MCOCA legislation, which is designed to halt the menace of organized crime that threatens civil society. The court observed that while most investigation officers (IOs) showed little progress, only ACP Rakesh Kumar appeared to have made efforts in the right direction.
Key judicial directives include:
- Inquiry Ordered: A copy of the order is to be sent to the Commissioner of Police, Delhi, for a detailed inquiry and appropriate action against the erring officials and investigation officers.
- Mandatory Appearance: The Joint Commissioner of Police has been directed to appear in person at the next hearing to present a report and personal comments.
- Expedited Conclusion: The court has demanded that the investigation be concluded at the earliest without further delay.
The court emphasized that allowing accused individuals under such a stringent Act to roam free and commit heinous offences defeats the legislative purpose of the law. The matter is set for further hearing once the Commissioner's office submits the required report.