Hyderabad: Police officials say that most criminal cases fail due to witnesses turning hostile. Due to judicial backlog when a trial gets drawn out the statements of victims and witnesses recorded in FIRs often diverge at the time of trial and defence lawyers exploit it.
Some senior cops feel the entire criminal justice system needs changes to ensure punishment for criminals. While legal experts say that the main issue is the inefficiency of cops, police officials say the burden on the police makes it difficult to probe cases efficiently.
“The burden on the police is too much. In Cyberabad we have 300 investigation officials who have to probe 30,000 cases every year. They also have to look after law and order issues,” said police commissioner C.V. Anand.
“Witnesses taking money from the accused and turning hostile is common. Even if the case is presented with maximum evidence in court witnesses can sabotage the case,” Mr Anand added. Top cops say the inordinate delay in trial also weakens the case even if investigation is done properly.
“Many public prosecutors are appointed politically. They do not show much interest in cases. Some are even reluctant to file counters,” said another police official.
Experts say that the statements of witnesses should be recorded before a magistrate under Section 164.
