Delhi Police Chief Anurag Kumar Directs Officers to Focus on Quality of Investigations
Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar has directed police officers across New Delhi to focus on the qualitative outcome of investigations rather than solely relying on the statistics of solved cases. The instructions were issued during the department's latest fortnightly crime review meeting, senior officers said on Thursday.
Kumar instructed investigators to ensure that gathered evidence clearly establishes the specific role of each accused person and supports the charges filed against them. He noted that officers must not simply focus on making arrests, but should instead build credible evidence trails capable of withstanding scrutiny during court trials. This approach applies to both apprehended suspects and individuals who remain absconding.
To ensure better supervision, the police commissioner directed supervisory officers, particularly Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs), to regularly inspect police stations within their jurisdictions. Additionally, Station House Officers (SHOs) and concerned ACPs have been tasked with thoroughly scrutinising charge sheets before they are submitted to the prosecution branch or filed in court.
The commissioner also highlighted the necessity of verifying the background and personal details of both the accused and witnesses. Officers were instructed to record permanent addresses, bank account numbers, PAN and Aadhaar cards, and mobile numbers in case files. This verification is intended to prevent situations where victims, witnesses, or suspects become untraceable during the investigation or subsequent trial, especially in cases involving tenants or individuals residing at temporary addresses.
On crime prevention, the commissioner emphasised the use of crime data analysis, emerging trend identification, and hotspot mapping. Joint Commissioners of Police across all six ranges were directed to carry out detailed reviews of murder cases registered in their jurisdictions, examining motives and modus operandi to prepare reports for discussion at the next crime review meeting.
Addressing the rising involvement of minors in criminal activity, the police chief also instructed all police districts in Delhi to compile a database of school dropout juveniles to help authorities identify and monitor vulnerable children.
