Allahabad High Court expressed displeasure over the delay in the investigation being conducted by the Economic Offenses Wing of Uttar Pradesh Police. The court observed that investigation of EOW cases usually remains pending for years, leading to delay in getting justice to the victims.
The High Court has also directed EOW Director General Prashant Kumar to file a personal affidavit by December 16. The court has sought information from him about the reasons for the delay in investigation of pending cases, the names of the officers responsible and the steps taken to dispose of the investigation quickly.
Answer sought from UP DGP
The bench of Judge Samit Gopal gave this order during the hearing on the anticipatory bail petition filed by Mohammad Harun. Action was taken against Mohammad Harun in 2019 under the Prevention of Corruption Act. In the same case, Harun had filed a petition for anticipatory bail.
The court has also directed UP DGP to provide information in this matter. While issuing the order, the court has also made it clear that till the next hearing date, if an arrest is made in the case, the accused will be released on interim anticipatory bail.
No reply received on previous order
This matter came up in the court for the first time in March, when the state government was directed to file a counter affidavit in the court within four weeks. But during Wednesday’s hearing it came to light that even after eight months of the court’s direction, no response has been received from the state government.
During the hearing, the government lawyer told that he also did not get any information in this matter from the office of UP DGP. Considering the seriousness of the case, the court has also directed the government lawyer to remain present in the court during the next hearing. The next hearing in this case will be held in the High Court on 16 December.
