Governor Empowers Police Stations in Assam with Enhanced Investigative Powers
Desk Report, March 20, 2024: In a significant stride towards bolstering the investigative machinery in Assam, the Governor has issued a directive granting amplified authority to the Officer-in-Charge of Police Stations under Section 157(1) of the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973. This strategic move, catalyzed by extensive deliberations during the State Police Conference in July 2023 and a subsequent proposal tabled by the CID Headquarters, Assam, marks a pivotal juncture in the state’s law enforcement framework.
As per the stipulations delineated in the notification, the Officer-in-Charge of a Police Station is now vested with the prerogative to assign investigation duties to designated subordinate officers. The criteria for such assignments are meticulously laid out, ensuring a judicious allocation of responsibilities.
Assistant Sub-inspectors of Police within the Unarmed Branch are conferred with the authority to investigate cases carrying a maximum penalty of up to seven years of imprisonment. Meanwhile, individuals holding the positions of Lance Naik, Naik, and Head Constable within the Unarmed Branch, possessing a minimum educational qualification of graduation coupled with at least six years of tenure in Police Service, are deemed eligible to investigate cases with a maximum punishment of up to three years of imprisonment.
To uphold the standards of proficiency among designated officers, the Assam Police Headquarters (APHQ) will diligently oversee comprehensive training programs. The onus of imparting training, conducting evaluations, and issuing “RESULT-CUM-QUALIFICATION” certificates to qualified officers is entrusted to esteemed institutions such as the Lachit Borphukan Police Academy Training Institute.
Also read: Senior Assam MP Abdul Khaleque Holds Talk with Sonia Gandhi Amidst Political Upheaval
These certificates, serving as a cornerstone for consideration by the Officer-in-Charge of Police Stations, will play a pivotal role in the delegation of investigation duties, ensuring competence and efficacy in investigative endeavors.
Furthermore, the notification underscores the imperative of periodic performance assessments of Investigation Officers (IOs) by APHQ. In line with this, non-performing or under-performing IOs will be subject to refresher courses every two years, whereas exemplary performers shall be duly acknowledged and commended.
In a concerted effort to foster transparency and accountability, APHQ, Assam, pledges to furnish biannual reports to the Government. These reports will meticulously detail the deployment of Investigation Officers (IOs) across districts, encapsulating vital indices such as average monthly case registrations, IOs’ strength in each district, average monthly case disposal rates, and the average duration taken for investigation completion.
This proactive intervention heralds a new era of efficacy and expediency in criminal investigations across Assam. By ensuring swift justice delivery and upholding the sanctity of law and order, this initiative stands as a testament to the unwavering commitment of the state towards fostering a secure and harmonious societal milieu.
