'To Say The Least, Report Is Absolutely Vague': Calcutta High Court On Police Investigation In Case Of Missing Minor Girl

The Calcutta High Court on Thursday expressed displeasure at the manner in which the investigation is being carried out by police authorities of Kalna Police Station, Purba Bardhaman in a case pertaining to the disappearance of a minor girl in Kalna district of West Bengal. 

The Court was adjudicating upon a Habeas Corpus Plea moved by the parents of the missing minor girl. 

A Bench comprising Justices T. S. Sivagnanam and Hiranmay Bhattacharyya on Thursday took on record a status report filed by Rakesh Singh, Officer-in-Charge, Kalna Police Station, Purba Bardhaman dated February 1. On a perusal of the report, the Bench observed with dismay, 

"To say the least, the report is absolutely vague. We have expressed our displeasure to the learned Government counsel and gave an option to withdraw the report and file a proper report and ensure that the investigation is done in a proper manner."

The counsel appearing for the State sought permission to withdraw the report filed and accordingly, the Court directed the concerned police authorities to file a fresh report before the next date of hearing which is slated to take place on February 17. 

"The learned Government counsel seeks permission to withdraw the report and instructs the respondents / police to proceed in accordance with law in a proper manner and file a fresh report on the next date", the Court further recorded in its order. 

Advocate Uday Narayan Betal appeared for the petitioner and advocate Debabrata Chatterjee appeared for the State. Advocate Dhananjay Banerjee represented other respondents. 

Case Title: Israfil Sk. v. State of West Bengal & Ors

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