HC directs police to investigate octroi contractor''s complaint

Mumbai, Jan 12 (PTI) The Bombay High Court today directedthe city police to conduct a "fair and proper" investigationinto a complaint filed by an octroi contractor claiming thathe has been implicated in a narcotics case by a rivalbusinessman.

The court was hearing the petition filed by NavinRuparel, who has also alleged that police have notinvestigated his own complaint, filed online last year.

According to Ruparel''s petition, apart from filing anonline complaint, he had also written a letter to the JointCommissioner of Police (Crime) in August 2009 alleging thathis business rival - Paresh Bhanushali -- has implicatedhim in a narcotics case by planting evidence.

"What is the perception of the police machinery? Why doyou (police) listen only to the complainant? Investigation hasto be conducted from all angles. Just because the petitioner(Ruparel) is an accused in the case does not mean that thepolice refuse to hear his side," Justice A M Khanwilkar said.

Division bench comprising Justices Khanwilkar and A RJoshi directed the suburban Trombay police station to conducta proper investigation, which would be supervised by the localassistant commissioner of police and the joint commissioner ofpolice (Crime).

The court has also directed the police to submit a reportafter completion of the investigation.