MP High Court Directs Inquiry Against Investigating Officer For Arresting Accused In Illicit Liquor Case Based On Unverified Evidence

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has directed the Superintendent of Police, Alirajpur, to initiate an inquiry against the investigating officer who arrested an accused in an illicit liquor transportation case, allegedly based on a truck sale agreement that was never examined by the notary or the witnesses. The bench of Justice Jai Kumar Pillai observed that an inquiry was warranted to ensure that such lapses are not repeated in future investigations. The court stated; "The concerned Superintendent of Police is directed to initiate inquiry into the matter against the investigating officer so that the said fact should not be repeated in future by any investigating officer who is dealing with such cases. The report of the said investigation shall be produced before the Principal Registrar of this Court after conclusion of the inquiry. Let the said inquiry be conducted by the Superintendent of Police within a period of two months from today". The court also granted bail to the accused, noting that he had been in custody since April 15, 2026 and that the conclusion of the trial was likely to take cnsiderable time.A bail application was filed by Kamru in a criminal case registered for dealing with illegal manufacture, transport, possession and sale of illicit liquor (Section 34). The applicant has been in custody since April 15, 2026. Per the prosecution, upon a tip, the police officials conducted a raid on a truck reportedly carrying illegal liquor. The driver of the truck abandoned the vehicle in the darkness and fled. During the investigation, the police arrested the applicant based on statements made by the owner of the said truck. The counsel for the applicant contended that there was no evidence on record connecting him to the matter and that the only evidence on record was a sale agreement which was written up in favour of the applicant. The counsel argued that the applicant was arrested 6 months after the raid. The counsel further asserted that the investigating officer had investigated in a 'very casual' manner. The counsel argued that the investigating officer investigated vaguely, highlighting that neither the Notary nor the witness to the said agreement was examined. The court examined the case diary and noted that the applicant has been in jail since April 15, 2026, and the conclusion of the trial was likely to take a long time. Regarding the allegations that the investigating officer conducted the investigation casually and vaguely, the bench directed the Superintendent of Police to initiate an inquiry against the investigating officer. The court further directed the SP to submit the report of the inquiry to the Principal Registrar, observing that such an inquiry was necessary so that such actions are not repeated in the future by any other investigating officer. Accordingly, the court granted bail to the applicant subject to furnishing a personal bond in the sum of ₹25,000. Case Title: Kamru v State of Madhya Pradesh, MCRC-23492-2026Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (MP) 193For Petitioner: Advocate Madhur Gupta For State: Advocate Hemant SharmaClick here to read/download the Order

MP High Court Directs Inquiry Against Investigating Officer For Arresting Accused In Illicit Liquor Case Based On Unverified Evidence

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MP High Court Directs Inquiry Against Investigating Officer For Arresting Accused In Illicit Liquor Case Based On Unverified Evidence

Jayanti Pahwa

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