Kolkata: Following a directive from Nabanna, Lalbazar’s top brass has instructed all divisions to re-examine pending Pocso cases, including those where chargesheets are yet to be filed and those currently under trial. Officers have been asked to take necessary steps to ensure the cases reach their logical conclusion.The law requires police to complete investigations in Pocso Act cases within two months, or 60 days, from the date the information is recorded. However, for default bail under Section 187 of the BNSS, the outer statutory limit remains 90 days if the offence carries a punishment of 10 years or life imprisonment.Lalbazar, however, wants officers to follow a 59-day deadline in all cases. “At last count, in the beginning of July, 77 Pocso cases were pending chargesheets. We have now brought it down to around 55,” an officer said.Dept sources said that registration of sexual offence cases and arrest of accused persons cannot be considered enough. Police are also taking steps to ensure victims are aware of their rights. “When an accused person files a bail application, the victim, parent or complainant is informed in advance about the date of the bail hearing,” a source said.Lalbazar has also issued strict instructions on arresting accused persons. Deputy commissioners have been told to promptly execute any pending arrest warrants against accused persons in such cases. Officers-in charge of police stations have also been directed to take necessary action.“The safety of girl children and the investigation of missing persons must be treated as a priority across all police stations,” a police source said. Senior officers, from OCs to DCPs, have now been directed to personally review all cases involving missing girl children in line with the legal framework.The state has also ordered that all CCTV surveillance networks across the city be upgraded and kept fully operational to help deter criminal activity.
