Court Orders Senior Police Officials to Investigate and Take Action Against Officers Shielding Accused's Family Members
In a significant development, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has expressed strong disapproval of the police's handling of a fraud case involving Vijay Kumar and his family. The case, registered under Sections 406 and 420 of the Indian Penal Code, along with sections 316(2) and 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, has highlighted glaring lapses in the investigation process.
Presiding over the case, Justice N.S. Shekhawat, on May 21, 2026, underscored the failure of the police to appropriately investigate and act against family members of the accused who were allegedly implicated in receiving cheated amounts. The court was informed that the petitioner, Vijay Kumar, along with his family members, had been involved in extensive fraudulent activities, with several FIRs registered against him across multiple police stations.
Despite substantial evidence, the police had declared the family members innocent without conducting a thorough investigation. The court found this declaration particularly concerning, as the State counsel's submissions indicated the complicity of the petitioner's son, daughter, and wife in the fraudulent activities. The court also noted that another individual, Sukhdev Singh, who allegedly received funds from victims, was improperly categorized in the investigation records.
In response to these findings, the court directed the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Hoshiarpur to personally review the case file and submit an affidavit detailing the reasons behind the exoneration of the accused family members. The court emphasized the expectation of disciplinary action against the investigating officers and other police officials involved if found culpable of protecting the real culprits.
The case has been adjourned to May 27, 2026, and the court has mandated that a copy of this order be provided to the State counsel for further action. This judgment underscores the judiciary's role in ensuring accountability within law enforcement, particularly in cases involving allegations of fraud and corruption.
Bottom line:-
The court expressed concern over the police's failure to take appropriate action against family members of the accused who were allegedly involved in receiving cheated amounts and directed the SSP to investigate and take necessary actions against the investigating officer and other officials if found guilty of shielding the real culprits.
Statutory provision(s): Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 Section 483, Indian Penal Code Sections 406, 420, 419, 465, 467, 468, 471, 279, 304-A, 427, Prevention of Corruption Act Section 13(1)
Vijay Kumar v. State of Punjab, (Punjab And Haryana) : Law Finder Doc id # 2906542
