Updated: October 10, 2020 12:31:03 pm
Security was tightened in Hathras on October 5 (Express photo: Praveen Khanna)
In a new warning to states, the Interior Ministry on Saturday ordered police to adhere strictly to the guidelines and take strict measures when dealing with cases involving crimes against women.
The directive comes amid criticism of the Uttar Pradesh police for their handling of the Hathras case. Police have been criticized for allegedly intimidating the relatives of the deceased, refusing to hand over the victim’s body to the family and collecting forensic samples 11 days after the crime.
“It is requested that the states / UT be able to give adequate instructions to all interested parties to guarantee strict compliance with the provisions of the law. It is also requested to monitor cases in the Sexual Offenses Investigation Tracking System (ITSSO) to ensure that appropriate follow-up actions are taken for the prosecution of the culprits in a timely manner as required by law, ”said the MHA.
He said the government has taken steps over the years to strengthen legislative provisions to deal with such cases. “Even with strict legal provisions and various capacity-building measures taken, any non-compliance by the police with these mandatory requirements may not bode well for the administration of criminal justice in the country, especially in the context of the safety of women. . Such lapses, if noticed, must be investigated and strict measures must be taken immediately against the agents responsible for them, ”he said.
Explaining the guidelines and laws enacted to investigate sex crime cases, the MHA told states to ensure mandatory FIR registration and to take action against officers who refuse to register an FIR in cases of rape and other crimes against women. He also asked the police to treat the victim’s declaration of death as fact; ensure the collection of evidence for forensic examination; use of the Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kit (SAEC); guarantee the completion of the investigation of such cases within a period of two months; and use of the national sex offender database to identify and track repeat offenders.
The ministry had recently distributed SAEC kits to states to enhance the investigation of sex crimes through forensic evidence.
“The Directorate of Forensic Science Services (DFSS) under the MHA has issued guidelines for the collection, preservation, and transportation of forensic evidence in sexual assault cases for Investigative Officers and Medical Officers. To facilitate the work of the State Police, the Police Research and Development Office (BPR & D) has issued Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kits (SAEC) for each State / UT.
“These SAEC kits must be used in all reported sexual assault cases. The MHA notice dated October 5, 2020 on this matter can be submitted. BPR & D and the LNJN’s National Institute of Criminology and Forensic Sciences (NICFS) have been conducting regular Training and Training of Trainers (ToT) programs on the procedure for collecting, preserving and handling forensic evidence for police officers / prosecutors and medical officers, respectively, ”the notice said. .
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