Investigations in hit-and-run case of very low standard : HC

Mumbai, July 12, (UNI) Indicating number of errors and lacunae in investigations of the hit-and-run case involving Alistair Pareira, Bombay High Court today pulled up the police for apathy on its part, remarking ''if these are bona fide mistakes, it is worst if it is done to benefit the accused, Alistair.

Coming down heavily on police, the court said the professionalism of the investigation in this case was of very low standard.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Swantanter Kumar and Justice Ranjana Desai, hearing apeals filed by Alistair Pareira, by the state and a suo-motu revision undertaken by the court, clarified the suo-motu revision of the case has been taken as an example to examine as to whether there was something basicaly wrong with the system.

The court also pointed out to Advocate General Ravi Kadam that the situation had changed a lot since the 80's and today investigation officers are required to take more precautions.

After putting some technical questions to Motor Vehicle Inspector Rajendra Sawant, to which he hardly could answer, the court observed that manual manipulations were made with illfated Toyoto Corrollo of Alistair and right front wheel of the vehicle as well as the shocker assembly was taken out smoothly, manually.

Alistair, convicted and sentenced for six months imprisonment for rash driving that killed seven labourers sleeping on Carter road in Bandra, last November, had filed apeal for acquittal whereas the state's apeal has been seeking enhancement in his sentence.

UNI