Delhi Court Slams Police Over 2007 Murder Case Mishandling, Orders Action Against Officers

A Delhi court has come down heavily on the local police for gross negligence and inaction in a 2007 murder case, calling the conduct of officers “deeply disturbing” and indicative of either wilful neglect or deliberate cover-up.

In a strongly worded order, Judicial Magistrate Bharti Beniwal criticized the delay in filing an FIR despite clear evidence pointing to homicide and directed senior police officials to take departmental and legal action against the responsible personnel.

In reference to a 2007 murder case, Judicial Magistrate Bharti Beniwal stated that negligence in matters involving the loss of human life is unacceptable.

Victim Found Dead, No FIR for Years

The case revolves around the suspicious death of a 30-35-year-old man whose body was discovered on July 30, 2007. Despite the post-mortem report revealing a ligature mark on the neck and a severe head injury, no case was registered for several years, and no investigation was initiated, the court observed.

“This is a disturbing example of apathy and dereliction of duty in a case involving the loss of human life,” Magistrate Beniwal remarked.

Evidence Ignored, Crime Scene Overlooked

Statements from four witnesses revealed that the victim was employed at Mohan Hotel near Ajmeri Gate and was allegedly murdered within the hotel premises. Shockingly, the body was then allegedly dumped in a nearby drain to conceal the crime.

The court said the police had enough material—witness accounts, medical findings, and crime scene evidence—to proceed. Yet, the then SHO of Kamla Market police station and the concerned ACP failed to take any meaningful action.

FIR Registered Years Later, But No Real Probe

The court noted with concern that an FIR was eventually filed, but even that seemed like a mere formality. Retired ACP Dinesh Kumar, who was the SHO at the time, claimed he only came across the inquest report later and then sought permission to register the case.

Even after the FIR was filed, the police allegedly did not approach witnesses or initiate any investigation, further raising doubts about their intent.

Court Demands Accountability, Orders High-Level Review

Magistrate Beniwal ordered the Joint Commissioner of Police, Central Range, to submit a report after conducting an internal inquiry, identifying the list of SHOs, ACPs, and investigating officers who handled or failed to act on the case between 2007 and the date the FIR was filed.

“It must be determined whether this was simple negligence or a deliberate attempt to protect those involved in the crime,” the court said, ordering a compliance report within three weeks.

The next hearing is scheduled for August 2, 2025.

Legal Action Expected

The court emphasized that delays and lapses in homicide cases are unacceptable and that those responsible must face consequences. The Delhi Police now faces scrutiny not only for its mishandling of the case but also for its failure to preserve complete records and maintain investigative transparency.