Chinks in probe exposed

BANGALORE: The acquittal of all the accused in the sensational Jaipuria case has exposed serious lacuna in police investigation. Despite the state spending lakhs of rupees on investigation and prosecution fees, poor investigation proved to benefit the accused.
The conviction rate in the state was a mere 24 per cent in 2002. According to the department of prosecution and government litigation statistics, 23,000 out of the 95,000 IPC cases disposed of, ended in conviction.Of the 1,18,617 lakh cases disposed of from January 2000 to December 2001, only 26,171 ended in conviction.
High Court judge Justice M.F. Saldanha says the high rate of acquittal is due to low investigative calibre, lack of professionalism and integrity. While untimely bail orders hinder investigation, standard of proof requires to be high for conviction before a court.
Dr B.M. Mohan, director, Forensic Science Laboratory, said there is now more awareness and efficiency in investigation. State Public Prosecutor H.S. Chandramouli feels there is a need for separate investigation wing backed by legal expertise.
Criminal lawyer C.V. Nagesh says a major reason for acquittal is because police often “concoct evidence’’. The courts have to go by evidence whether it is ocular, eyewitness account or circumstantial. “The evidence should stand the test of scrutiny.’’