Bhubaneswar: Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) has advised the state police to always conduct a ‘preliminary inquiry’ before rushing to file an FIR in complaints with political overtones. The rights panel has recommended that the DGP issue guidelines to all police stations, mandating thorough scrutiny into such complaints before registering cases.The OHRC’s Jan 30 order, which was available on Wednesday, follows a petition filed by BJD spokesperson Lenin Mohanty, who alleged that the commissionerate police had falsely implicated him in a case in Sept 2024.An FIR was registered against Mohanty at Malgodown police station in Cuttack on Sept 5, 2024, under multiple provisions of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Sections 25 & 27 of the Arms Act. The complaint, lodged by a Ravenshaw University student, accused Mohanty and some others of attacking him a day earlier.Mohanty approached the OHRC claiming that the police acted without conducting a preliminary inquiry, subjecting him to harassment, mental agony, and damaging his reputation. The commission later received the police investigation report, which concluded that the allegations against Mohanty and others were false.Coming down heavily on the police, the OHRC observed, “When a complaint discloses motives of political vendetta, it should be scrutinised at the threshold through a preliminary inquiry. This will ensure that false cases are not registered and innocent persons are not harassed.”The order directed the DGP to issue instructions that complaints involving political overtones or prima facie vendetta must undergo preliminary inquiry. “FIRs should only be registered if clinching evidence is available. Investigations must be conducted in a fair and proper manner to prevent misuse of criminal law,” the commission’s order, issued by its member Asim Amitabh Dash, stated.Mohanty welcomed the order, calling it a safeguard against the misuse of police machinery in political disputes. “Police should act with greater caution in such cases. FIRs in politically sensitive matters without preliminary inquiry can result in harassment of innocent persons. The commission has rightly emphasised that criminal law should not be used as a tool for political revenge,” Mohanty said.When asked about the directive, a senior police officer said, “We will comply with the OHRC’s recommendations. Investigating officers will be sensitised.”
