Delhi Court Issues Show Cause Notice To Investigating Officers In Acid Attack Case

In a Delhi acid attack case, the Rohini court criticized the first Investigating Officer for failing to seize crucial evidence, a mattress stained with acid, which was discovered at the scene where the victim was sitting.

The mattress was only seized later by a second Investigating Officer, along with the victim’s saree.

The court issued a show cause notice to both officers, demanding an explanation for the lapse and why departmental action should not be initiated against them for compromising the case by mishandling evidence.

During a recent hearing, the court noted that one of the accused had passed away and directed the Station House Officer to submit a death verification report. The matter is now scheduled for prosecution evidence on February 28, 2024.

Earlier, the court had denied bail to one of the accused, the victim’s sister-in-law, who had been absconding for 6 years. The court cited her absence from the legal process and the victim’s severe, permanent injuries, which included the loss of one eye and partial speech impairment.

In an order by Additional Sessions Judge Dhirendra Rana, it was noted that the victim had received prompt medical attention and had immediately reported the incident. Her statement, recorded on June 27, 2018, named the accused, and she was declared a proclaimed offender before being arrested on February 21, 2024. Despite the charge sheet being filed, it has yet to reach the court.

The court emphasized the threat perception against the complainant and the difficulty in ensuring the accused’s attendance at trial, considering her previous conduct. The court dismissed the bail plea, stating the accused’s history of absconding and the serious nature of the injuries suffered by the victim.

The victim’s lawyer, Advocate Aditi Drall, opposed the bail, highlighting the severity of the injuries and the accused’s history of evading the law. She argued that the accused’s HIV condition should not be a reason to grant bail, especially since other co-accused are still absconding.

The accused’s lawyer claimed she was unaware of the legal proceedings against her, asserting that the complainant had falsely implicated the accused by pouring acid on herself.

The counsel also cited the accused’s HIV status as a mitigating factor, while the prosecution detailed the incident, which occurred on June 17, 2018, when the victim was assaulted by her mother-in-law and sister-in-law, with acid being poured into her mouth.

The FIR was filed shortly after, leading to the arrest of the accused.