Lagatar24 Desk
Ranchi: In Jharkhand, police officers who fail to testify in court often face no repercussions, leading to acquittals or bail for accused individuals. In contrast, Bihar has recently implemented strict measures against such officers. The Bihar government has announced that police personnel who turn hostile or fail to testify in court will face dismissal.
This decision was highlighted during a press conference on December 20 by Bihar Home Department Principal Secretary Arvind Kumar Choudhary and DGP Vinay Kumar, who emphasized accountability in legal proceedings.
Instances of Police Failing to Testify in Jharkhand
1. The Dhenga Firing Case (2015)
In the Dhenga firing case of Hazaribagh’s Barkagaon area, the court had to close the testimony phase due to the absence of key police witnesses. Despite multiple summons, the government failed to produce witnesses, including the investigating officer and the case’s informant. This negligence led to delays in proceedings and further complications.
2. Bail for Rape Accused
In a 2023 rape and murder case under Jagannathpur police station, the accused was released on bail due to a lack of evidence. Investigating Officer Sub-Inspector Ramji, despite multiple non-bailable warrants issued against him, failed to testify in court.
3. Former Minister Yogendra Saw’s Acquittal (2022)
In another case, former minister Yogendra Saw was acquitted of extortion charges while in jail. The investigating officer, then Jail Superintendent Dr. Rupam Prasad, failed to appear in court despite repeated summons. This allowed the accused to be acquitted for lack of evidence.
Bihar’s Strict Measures Against Laxity
Bihar’s new rules aim to ensure accountability:
• Special Committee Formation: A committee will identify eligible officers for key posts.
• Mandatory Testimony: Officers turning hostile in court will face dismissal.
• Focus on Transparency: The new measures are designed to enhance efficiency and transparency in judicial proceedings.
Need for Reform in Jharkhand
While Bihar sets a precedent with stricter rules, Jharkhand continues to struggle with police negligence in court. Cases where police officers fail to testify not only undermine justice but also embolden criminal activities, highlighting the urgent need for similar reforms in the state.
