RU teacher's murder charge sheet

As it is, any murder is abhorrent, let alone the murder of a respected university teacher. But that the legal process, that is so much dependent on the flawless work of the police from the very initial stage of investigation to preparing the charge sheet to ensure the just conclusion of the case, stands to be invalidated because of extraneous influence, smears the very system which is the last resort of the aggrieved.

While not for a moment are we suggesting that investigations should be unduly hurried, because justice hurried is justice buried, in the case we are referring to, there is more than enough evidence of the alleged involvement of the accused to initiate legal proceedings. That it should be delayed on reasons that appear less than convincing, does very little to boost the image of the police.

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Many a case has been spoilt because of the weak charge sheet and flawed investigation, which are sometimes the result of political pressure. The judge adjudicating the Udichi bombing case, where the accused were let free because of insufficient evidence, had pointed out these lacunae. Similarly, the investigating officer in the murder case of a Chittagong businessman has been called to account for loopholes in the charge sheet.

While it is true that the police cannot invent evidence, and nor should it, it is equally important that investigations are carried out immaculately on the available evidence, and all evidences and related documents, including the charge sheet, are presented timely and in the best possible manner that would ensure conviction of the culprits. And that should be done not under duress of any kind.