Economic offenses worth over Rs.5.00 Crores, Rape and POSCO cases to be special report crimes: Gujarat Police

Gandhinagar: Economic offences involving more than Rs. 5.00 crores and cases of rape, including cases under the POCSO Act, 2012, are to be treated as special report crimes and will be probed under the supervision of the senior police officers of the rank of Circle Police Inspector, Sub-Divisional Police Officer and Superintendent of Police, a statement from Narasimha Komar, Addl. DG of Police (Law & Order), Gujarat, said.

The offences such as murder, attempt to murder, culpable homicide, dacoity, robbery, attempted robberies and house breakings (involving more than Rs.50,000), serious riots, cases involving police officers, serious motor vehicle accidents and greasing of rails or tampering with rails are treated as Special Report Crimes and the senior police officers of the rank of Circle Police Inspector, Sub-Divisional Police Officer and Superintendent of Police (Police Inspector, Asst. Commissioner of Police and Dy. Commissioners of Police in Commissionerate areas) visit the crime scene and supervise the investigation as per the provisions made under the Gujarat Police Manual (Vol. III).

There is an increase in economic offenses due to rapid growth of banking, insurance, industrial production, commerce and other economic activities in recent times. The police need to focus on prevention, detection and investigation of economic offences to facilitate economic growth. Therefore, Economic Offenses involving Rs.5.00 Crores and more [including cases of criminal misappropriation of property (sec.403, 404 of IPC), criminal breach of trust (sec.405 to sec.409 IPC), cheating (sec.415 to sec.420 of IPC), cases under the Gujarat Protection of Interest of Depositors (in Financial Establishments) Act, 2003] are classified as Special Report Crimes.

Similarly, the safety of women and children have become important towards our efforts to build a safe and just society. The Home Department, Govt. of Gujarat and Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt. of India are giving great deal of emphasis on the safety of women and children. Therefore, Rape and Cases of Sexual Offences against Children [including Rape (sec.376, 376-A, 376-B, 376-C, 376-D and 376-E of IPC) and cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012] are classified as Special Report Crimes.

The jurisdictional Police Stations send a Special Report regarding above offences and senior police officers visit the crime scene, ascertain the facts of the case, identify physical evidences, assist and guide the investigating officer in detection, scientific investigation, expeditious arrest and coordination with forensic science team etc. for ensuring quality in the investigation.

The CID (Crime & Railways), Gujarat State has been asked to design a special training module on Investigation of Financial Crimes, Rape and Cases under the POCSO Act, 2012 covering law, special procedures, latest cases laws etc. and to organise training of investigating officers and supervisory officers to improve the quality of investigation in coordination with Gujarat Police Academy, Karai. The above effort is expected to improve detection, quality and conviction of criminal cases. DeshGujarat