Ranchi: The Director General of Police (DGP) of the state has issued a directive to all Superintendents of Police (SPs) across the districts, emphasizing strict action against officers who fail to register First Information Reports (FIRs). In an official letter, the DGP highlighted that disciplinary measures would be taken against any Station House Officers (SHOs) who do not comply with this directive. The letter also warned that police personnel who mistreat or behave inappropriately with the public would face severe disciplinary action.
The DGP noted that reports from various sources have indicated that in several districts, SHOs and other police personnel, particularly those responsible for maintaining records, are not treating the public respectfully. Furthermore, they are failing to issue receipts for complaints, causing victims to wander without receiving justice. The DGP emphasized that all police officers need to be reminded that they are public servants and protectors, not masters, and must perform their duties with this mindset.
Key Directives from the DGP
The DGP specifically mentioned that if a victim of cybercrime, a crime against Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (SC/ST), human trafficking, or crimes against women approaches a general police station, they should not be redirected to specialized stations such as cybercrime units, SC/ST police stations, or women’s police stations.
This practice is entirely incorrect. Even if specialized stations are established in a district for such specific crimes, it does not mean that other police stations in the district cannot register FIRs related to these offenses. Senior officers have been instructed to immediately remove any SHO from their post if found guilty of such negligence, and strict disciplinary action will be taken against them.
It is important to note that according to BNSS-173, there is a clear provision that FIRs must be registered by the SHO regardless of the location where the crime was committed. Failure to adhere to this is a direct violation of the law. All regional Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs) and SPs are instructed to ensure that a system is in place in their respective districts and areas, allowing the public to lodge complaints with senior officers (Inspector General/DIG/SP), especially in cases where SHOs fail to act on their grievances.
The SPs and regional DIGs have been given strict orders to instruct SHOs and other police personnel stationed at police stations to behave properly with the public during their field visits. Police personnel who mistreat the public should be identified and immediately removed from their posts.
News Desk.
