Delhi High Court seeks status report from Delhi police on progress of investigation in Delhi Cantonment case

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday directed the Delhi Police to file a status report regarding progress of investigation in the Delhi Cantonment case.

The matter was listed before the Single Bench of Justice Yogesh Khanna, who listed the matter for next hearing on November 8, 2021.

Appearing on behalf of the parents of the victim, advocate Jitendra Kumar submitted that they were taken to the police station, tortured and pressurised by the police to compromise the case.

The scene of the crime was left unattended and people were allowed to enter the place freely, he said. The same can be proved by the CCTV cameras installed around the crematorium, it was submitted.

He also raised concerns regarding imminent threats to the lives of the parents and the witnesses in the case, and thus sought for the protection.

Kumar further prayed for a judicial inquiry into the investigation of the case as well as the constitution of a Special Investigation Team (SIT), raising apprehensions that the police authorities may try to safeguard the accused persons.

Senior Standing Counsel Advocate Sanjay Lao, appearing on behalf of the State, submitted that a police officer has been appointed to grant protection to the petitioners. Further, the case has already been transferred to the Crime Branch, which has constituted a SIT to investigate the matter.

Justice Khanna observed that since the investigation is at an initial stage, it does not warrant intervention of the High Court at this juncture. Accordingly, the police was directed to file a status report of the investigation, before the next date of hearing.