A Delhi court on Thursday directed the Delhi Cantonment Police Station SHO to preserve CCTV footage related to the fatal BMW accident at Dhaula Kuan, which claimed the life of Navjot Singh, Deputy Secretary in the Finance Ministry.
Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) Ankit Garg issued the notice while also directing the Investigation Officer (IO) to appear with the case file at the next hearing. The matter will be heard again on Friday.
Accused Seeks Preservation Of Footage
The application was moved by accused Gaganpreet Kaur, seeking preservation of footage from cameras installed near Pillars 65 and 67 at the accident site.
Advocates Gagan Bhatnagar and Nikhil Kohli, appearing for Kaur, argued that the police’s reply to the application was “evasive.” They pointed out that during a media briefing, the DCP had claimed to have seen the CCTV footage and stated that it had also been shown to both the accused and the victim’s side.
The defence insisted that the footage be preserved and produced during Kaur’s bail hearing.
Defence Questions Police Stand
The defence further highlighted contradictions in the police’s submissions:
Initially, the victim had stated that his bike was hit by a car.
Later, the DCP publicly confirmed viewing CCTV footage of the incident.
In its reply to court, however, the police said only that a notice had been issued to the concerned agency and a response was awaited.
“As per the police, they have seen the CCTV and they have it. We specifically mentioned that bail is listed for a hearing. Therefore, we need this footage. So please place it on record,” counsel for the accused submitted.
Court’s Observations
The court clarified that while preservation of footage could be directed, the accused cannot demand its production at this stage.
“You have no right to get it at this stage. If police need it to make their case or they feel required, they can produce it before the court,” the magistrate said.
Counsel for the complainant, Advocate Atul Kumar, said he had no objection to the preservation of footage but opposed its production at the request of the accused.
On Wednesday, the same court had granted Delhi Police more time to file its response opposing Kaur’s bail plea. The court scheduled arguments on bail for Saturday and extended her judicial custody till September 27.
Read More: Supreme Court, Delhi High Court, States High Court, International
