Sorry state of investigation

And, why do investigations fail to be productive?

In almost all cases that are sensational in nature or involve political personalities, political motives would invariably be ascribed to the crime. This starts a chain reaction of blame and counter blame. Such recriminations not only create a preconceived notion in the minds of the investigators but also dilute the merits of a case. Moreover, reports regarding an investigation, which we think are deliberate leaks, appear in the press from time to time, which tend to have a negative impact on the course of the investigation.

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In our assessment, lack of progress can be attributed to three main reasons. First, unwarranted political pressure, either to influence the findings in favour of the ruling party or to rope in the opposition, puts the investigating officer in disarray. Second, shifting the responsibility of investigation from one agency to another too often breaks the link in investigation, affecting the progress in the long run. Third, lack of expertise of the investigators takes these cases to a cul-de-sac.

We think that it will be to the benefit of the society, if political pressure is eschewed and the investigative agencies are allowed to do their job.

We would also like to suggest that the matter of capacity building of respective agencies be addressed so that all modern means of solving crimes can be used to the advantage of the investigating agencies.

Last but not the least, we feel that it is the inculcation of professionalism in the investigating officers that would make a sea change in their output.

Nothing denudes the public of its confidence in the government more than its inability to punish crimes of dastardly nature, due to the failure of its investigative agencies to conduct proper investigation.