SC raps cops for half-hearted probe

The Supreme Court on Friday once again expressed dissatisfaction over the Delhi Police's "half-hearted" effort in probing the cash-for-vote scam.

The Supreme Court on Friday once again expressed dissatisfaction over the Delhi Police's "half-hearted" effort in probing the cash-for-vote scam.

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A bench of justice Aftab Alam and justice RM Lodha asked the police to "drop its inhibitions" and "follow the letter of law".

"When we are monitoring the case then why don't you take your probe to a logical conclusion? You must find out what is the source of money," said the bench while fixing three weeks' deadline for it to complete probe.

The bench expressed concern over the already delayed probe turning into a tardy one. "You must carry out an objective investigation and take it to a logical end fairly and expeditiously," the bench added.

This prompted additional solicitor general Hiren Rawal, appearing for Delhi Police to deny that the police was working under pressure. "There is no consideration and no pressure from any quarters. Infact, I have personally spoken to the police commissioner and he has assured me that a conclusive report would be ready within a week," Rawal told the court.

The bench also commented on the nature of the alleged offence and said: "It's so distressing to see that a middle-man of the cheapest kind aspired to prevent the Parliamentary proceedings and he succeeded."

Referring to the status report, the bench asked what the police had done regarding the four against whom there was a needle of suspicion. "With regard to one you have cited circumstantial evidence. But, what have you done regarding others?."

But the court also added a word of appreciation. "Delhi Police would do this job better than any other agency," it said while refusing to grant 40 days time to complete the probe.