SC tells Meerut inspector general to monitor Hapur lynching probe

The Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered inspector general of Meerut range to supervise the investigation into the Hapur lynching case in which one person was killed by a mob for his alleged involvement in cow-slaughter.

A bench led by Chief Justice Dipak Misra issued the direction after it was presented with a status report by Uttar Pradesh’s additional advocate general Aishwarya Bhatti.

Bhatti produced the sealed cover envelope while the court was hearing a petition filed by Samaiuddin — who was injured in the brutal attack — seeking transfer of the probe to an independent investigation team.

“The investigation in the case will be carried on under the direct supervision of the IG of Meerut range,” the bench ordered, fixing the matter for further hearing after two weeks.

The IG of Meerut range was also ordered to act in accordance with the Apex court’s July 17 judgement that issued a slew of preventive measures for states to stop incidents of mob lynching. The SC verdict then states that if a police officer or an officer of the district administration fails to fulfill his duty then it will be considered as an act of deliberate negligence.

Bhatti told the court that in the case of Hapur, the concerned station house officer (SHO) was transferred. The change was made after a complaint was received from Samaiuddin on August 14. A deputy nodal officer and nodal officer, appointed in accordance to the SC verdict, are also monitoring the investigation, besides the IG, Meerut range.

Samaiuddin’s advocate Vrinda Grover, however, argued against the state and asserted that the police had failed to arrest the people named by her client. “I am the survivor. I am seeking a transfer of investigation to an SIT. I have been in hospital for two months. The police are yet to arrest those whom I have named,” Grover submitted on behalf of her cliet.

Bhatti said out of 11 persons, 10 had been arrested. Proceedings against one absconding person has been initiated. Also, the police have approached the higher court against bail granted to one of the accused, which is likely to be heard on September 14. She assured the court that the investigation would be complete within 60 days.

First Published: Sep 06, 2018 03:23 IST