The Delhi Police Crime Branch has registered two separate FIRs against former Delhi Police Commissioner and ex-CBI Joint Director Neeraj Kumar.
The action comes in compliance with a Supreme Court order directing a fresh probe into a 25-year-old case involving alleged document forgery and criminal conspiracy.
The Delhi Police registered the FIRs under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 166 (violation of legal duty), 218 (preparation of incorrect record), 463, 465, 469 (forgery and fabrication of documents), and 120B (criminal conspiracy). They have handed over the investigation to ACP Umesh Barthwal.
According to officials, the first FIR pertains to the manipulation of documents and forgery in an old case dating back nearly two and a half decades. The allegations involve tampering with official records and misuse of authority while holding senior police positions.
The second FIR, meanwhile, concerns an incident reported on June 11, 2001. In this case, Neeraj Kumar and the then Inspector Vinod Pandey have been accused of issuing threats and attempting to coerce the complainant into withdrawing a legal case.
The FIR includes charges under IPC Sections 166, 341, 342, and 506 for wrongful restraint, confinement, and criminal intimidation.
Supreme Court’s Observations and Order
The Supreme Court, in its September ruling, directed the registration of FIRs against Neeraj Kumar and others. The Supreme Court issued the order after dismissing an appeal challenging a 2006 Delhi High Court judgment.
The Bench comprising Justice Pankaj Mithal and Justice Prasanna B Varale observed that the failure to investigate such grave allegations for nearly 25 years amounted to a ‘serious miscarriage of justice’.
The court further remarked that at times, ‘those who investigate must also face investigation’ to maintain public confidence in the justice system.
The apex court has directed an officer of ACP rank to conduct the investigation and complete it within three months. The court clarified that the investigating officer may take Neeraj Kumar into custody for questioning if deemed necessary.
The Bench also noted that the preliminary CBI probe contained irregularities that investigators could not overlook. It emphasised that allegations involving the fabrication of documents, intimidation, and defiance of judicial orders warrant a fair and transparent investigation.
The Supreme Court’s directive has brought renewed focus to a case that had remained dormant for over two decades.
Legal experts view this as a reaffirmation of judicial accountability and the principle that no individual, regardless of rank, is above the law.
ACP Umesh Barthwal is leading the investigation, and the Crime Branch will complete the inquiry within the stipulated timeframe, taking a significant step towards closing a long-pending case that questions the integrity of institutional processes.
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