The Forensic Science Laboratory on Monday submitted its sealed report on a CD linked to a 2019 public property defacement case involving former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, ex-MLA Gulab Singh, and MCD councillor Nitika Sharma.
The report was presented before the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM). The court recorded the findings, directed the FSL to provide an additional copy to the Investigation Officer (IO), and asked the IO to wrap up the probe.
The matter will now be heard on August 27.
An FSL official personally appeared in court to deliver the report.
Court Had Warned Over Delays
The submission marks the end of a series of reminders from the court. On June 10, the ACJM had summoned the FSL Director to explain the delay in filing the CD examination report. This came after an earlier order on May 23, instructing the lab to conduct the analysis and file its findings without further delay.
The CD was handed over to the IO on May 8, along with a Section 65B certificate to ensure its admissibility as evidence. According to the IO, the disc contained photographs crucial to the investigation. The complainant had earlier told the court he could not provide the original photographs, making the forensic analysis necessary.
How the Case Began
The case traces back to March 11, 2024, when ACJM Mittal directed Delhi Police to register an FIR based on a complaint from Shiv Kumar Saksena. The complaint alleged that posters and banners promoting a political campaign had been unlawfully put up in Delhi’s Dwarka area in 2019.
The court ordered police to proceed under Section 3 of the Delhi Prevention of Defacement of Property Act, 2007 and any other applicable provisions. “The application under Section 156(3) Cr.P.C. deserves to be allowed,” the order read, directing the local SHO to take immediate action.
Police informed the court on March 28 that the FIR had been registered.
In a May 23 status report, police confirmed the CD had been sent to FSL for expert analysis, with results pending at the time. The court then issued a notice to the FSL Director, pressing for quicker submission.
With the forensic findings now on record, the investigation is expected to move forward, potentially paving the way for the court to determine the next course of action at the August 27 hearing.
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