Ordering CBI investigation into everything reduces police morale, Supreme Court’s big comment

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday said ordering the CBI to take over investigations on a regular basis not only burdens the investigating agency but also depresses the morale of state police officers. A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Ujjwal Bhuyan ordered the SIT investigation into the alleged torture in police custody of a woman arrested during a protest against the rape and murder of a trainee female doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Hospital. Made this comment while giving the order.

Amendment made in High Court order

The bench modified the Calcutta High Court’s November 6 order, which had upheld the single bench’s order ordering a CBI investigation into the case. The court said, ‘It is not necessary for us to comment on those reasons, except to say that handing over the investigation of the cases to the CBI places an unimaginable burden not only on the country’s premier investigating agency but also on the state police officers. One has to face very serious and far-reaching demoralizing effects.

Supreme Court formed SIT

The Supreme Court did not deem it appropriate to proceed on the ground that the senior IPS officers allotted to the West Bengal cadre were incapable of conducting an impartial and independent investigation and ascertaining the truth. The top court constituted a three-member SIT, comprising 2009 batch IPS officers Akash Magharia (DIG Presidency Range), Swati Bhangalia (SP Howrah Rural) and Sujata Kumari Veenapani (DSP Traffic, Howrah).

‘SIT will investigate the matter immediately’

The bench ordered, ‘SIT will take over the investigation immediately… All records of the investigation will be handed over to the SIT today itself and the SIT will start the investigation without any delay. If necessary, the SIT will be free to involve some other police officers also. The Supreme Court urged the Chief Justice of Calcutta High Court to constitute a special bench before which the SIT will present its weekly report and seek permission for further investigation.