Editorial

Cop murder mysteries

Delayed investigation should itself be probed
It is more than two weeks that three police officers were shot dead by armed gangs of criminals, but the killers are still at large. In the meantime, another police officer, a sub-inspector, has been killed bringing the total number of dead to four in as many weeks. There doesn't seem to be any doubt about who were responsible for such brutal murders in the capital. Yet, investigation teams have so far drawn a blank in tracking down any prime suspects. Could one be blamed if one lent credence to a report alleging that some police officials were not perhaps showing enough initiative because of close links with some of the suspects?

Similar accusations had been made in the past, in general terms, but there was no solid proof; however, the lack of concern regarding these cases could do nothing but fuel such suspicions. Why couldn't they manage to find enough witnesses to these murders, leave alone arrest a single suspect, when the incidents occurred in crowded places? Senior police officials have been quoted as saying that the hunt is on and that 'vital information are being gathered from those who have already been arrested', etc etc. But why is it taking so long to ferret out the culprits? That police officials could be killed was itself a reflection on their vulnerability, let alone the failure to bring the culprits to justice at the earliest.

The recent lethal attacks have reportedly made police officers edgy and put them in a state of insecurity. Not being able to catch the culprits would spawn greater frustrations in them. And, public confidence in the police will take yet another tumble. It is highly imperative, therefore, that higher authorities looked into the matter more seriously. If there is any nexus between some policemen and criminal elements causing delay in the investigation, one would expect the higher-ups to take severe action against those responsible.