Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 2: A Fast Track Court has strongly reprimanded the investigating officer in a minor rape case under the POCSO Act, criticizing the manner in which further judicial remand was sought despite the statutory deadline for completion of investigation drawing close, and warning that any lapse in completing the process would be at the officer’s own risk and responsibility.
The order was passed by Amarjeet Singh Langeh, Special Judge, Fast Track Court (POCSO Cases), Jammu, in FIR No. 25/2026 registered at Police Station Bishnah under Section 137(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Sections 5 and 6 of the POCSO Act against accused Arjun Lakhotra alias Balu, son of Late Rashpal Chand, resident of Digiana Puli and presently putting up at Dhinday Khurd, Tehsil Bishnah.
The accused was produced through virtual mode by PSI Imtiaz Ahmed of Police Station Bishnah, while Joginder Lal, Incharge Public Prosecutor, appeared for the State. The prosecution had sought 15 days of judicial remand. However, the court recorded that the accused had already remained in custody, including both police and judicial remand, for 53 days, and had not been admitted to bail by any court of law till date.
The court noted that under Section 193(2) of the BNSS, investigation in offences under the POCSO Act is required to be completed within two months from the date of registration of the FIR. It observed that while only seven days were left for completion of that period, the investigating officer, who happens to be the SHO of Police Station Bishnah, was still seeking 13 more days of judicial remand.
Taking serious note of the matter, the court observed that the approach of the investigating officer was “not appreciable to say the least.” It further cautioned that if the investigating officer failed to do the needful within the time left, it would be at his “own risk and responsibility.”
The court ultimately remanded the accused to further judicial custody for only six days till April 7, 2026, instead of granting the longer remand sought by the police. The accused has been directed to be kept in District Jail Amphalla, Jammu. A copy of the order has also been sent to the Senior Superintendent of Police, Jammu, for information and to the jail authorities for compliance.
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