High Court Directs Patna SSP To Draw Out A Strategy To Trace Out Minor Girl 'Kidnapped' 4 Months Ago

The girl was allegedly kidnapped on September 29, 2023, while she was returning home after attending a coaching class near Gola Road in Patna. Her father moved the HC claiming that even though he had lodged an FIR under Section 363, 365, the local police were not taking any significant action to trace her.

In previous hearings in the matter, the Court has been issuing directions in the matter to the SHO/IO to trace out the girl.

However, on January 29, 2023, Justice Rajeev Ranjan Prasad's bench observed that despite the Court's previous efforts and directives to the Investigating Officer (IO) in the case, there had been no significant progress.

Consequently, the Court issued the following directive to the Senior Superintendent of Police, Patna:

“…(to) personally go through the video clips available with learned counsel for the petitioner by giving him an opportunity to be present with his client within three days from today. After going through the video clips and other materials, it is expected that the Senior Superintendent of Police shall draw a strategy as to how to go further in this case to find out the victim girl and nab the culprits."

The Court further directed the SSP to thoroughly inquire/examine the suspects in the case with such rigours as may be required and, in this regard, the S.S.P., Patna shall take immediate steps.

Further, posting the matter for hearing on 2^nd February 2024, the Court directed the SSP, Patna to remain present for interaction with the Court through online mode, whereas the SHO/IO has been asked to remain present in person in Court with complete case diary of this case.

Case title - Rakesh Kumar Ranjan vs. The State of Bihar through Chief Secretary, Govt. of Bihar, Patna & Ors

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