FIR a must in cognisable offences: DGP circular

The State Director General of Police (DGP) has issued a circular directing all police stations in the state to restrain them from burking of complaints by not registering first information reports (FIRs) for the complaints disclosing cognisable offences. The circular has stated that strict action would be taken against erring police personnel who refuse to register FIR in accordance with law.

Public prosecutor Pandurang Pol has informed the HC that the circular was issued by inspector general of police Gulabrao Pol on Februay 17, pursuant to earlier directions of the court. The issue was highlighted during the hearing of a petition filed by a Worli resident, Anusuya Patil, an elderly widow who was allegedly beaten up by a small-time builder Sandesh Govalkar and his aides. But the concerned officer attached to Dadar police refused to take an FIR and turned her away after recording a non-cognisable offence.

During the hearing of the the 68-year-old woman’s plea, the court took a stern note of the ever-increasing tendency on part of the police to refuse registering FIRs.

Earlier, the court had come down heavily on city police and had questioned as to whom they were serving? Public or the builders? The judges had also asked if the poor and the helpless people had whatsoever no right in this country?

As per sub-inspector Vijay More of the Dadar police, the incident took place on December 9, 2011.