Misappropriation of seized items
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 26: The Fast Track Court, Jammu, has pulled up police officials after case property linked to a rape case accused went missing from custody, directing a show-cause notice to former SDPO Akhnoor, Mohan Lal, for alleged misappropriation of seized articles.
The matter concerns Sagar Sharma, son of Ramesh Chand of Jandial Thathi, Bhalwal, who is facing trial in FIR No. 87/2021 under Section 376 IPC. Sharma had applied for the release of personal items – including a Vivo Y-21 mobile phone with SIM card, purse, Aadhaar card, voter ID, PAN card, and school card – seized during his personal search in 2021.
While prosecution initially claimed the items were not available in the police Malkhana, subsequent reports and the search memo dated March 9, 2025 confirmed the articles were indeed seized and later re-seized by then SDPO Mohan Lal, who was also the investigating officer.
Presiding Officer Amarjeet Singh Langeh termed the disappearance of these seized items as a “grave aberration and serious lapse,” observing that such misconduct amounted to prima facie misappropriation. The court ordered issuance of a notice to Mohan Lal asking why criminal proceedings should not be initiated against him and why the accused should not be compensated monetarily for the missing articles.
The court directed the Senior Superintendent of Police, Jammu to ensure service of notice on the officer wherever he is currently posted. It also warned that failure to respond could lead to an FIR against him. The case has been listed for further hearing on October 18, 2025.
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