After the suspension of inspector Sanjay Shinde following the escape of multiple murder accused Vilay Palande from a police van on April 10, experts opine that a high-level probe by an independent authority into the matter has become essential.
YP Singh, former IPS officer and now a lawyer, said, "The police should ask an independent entity, like a retired judge, to probe the matter. This will make the nexus between Palande and the police department clearer and will also crystallise Shinde's role."
Shinde has been suspended on the basis of a preliminary departmental inquiry. "After the inquiry is over, the police should register a case under section 201 of the Indian Penal Code against Shinde for causing disappearance of evidence," he said.
Like Vora, Shinde can also be made an accused in the case along with Vijay Palande, he added.
Julio Rebeiro, former commissioner of police for the city, said that any policeman who facilitates the escape of an accused is liable for punishment.
"Any such person should be prosecuted under section 217 of the IPC, which punishes a public servant who disobeys the law with an intention to save a person from punishment," said Rebeiro.
{{/usCountry}}"Any such person should be prosecuted under section 217 of the IPC, which punishes a public servant who disobeys the law with an intention to save a person from punishment," said Rebeiro.
{{/usCountry}}In 1998, Shinde had shot at a fellow police officer in a bar.
In February 2000, Shinde was found to be allegedly involved in the kidnapping of the managing director of Milton Plastics by gangster Abu Salem's men.