Bhubaneswar,27.10: Stringent action will be taken against persons involved in damaging public property during rallies, processions and agitations, said a circular issued by DGP RP Sharma to SPs and DCPs on Friday.
Acting as per a directive issued by the Supreme Court, the DGP’s circular stated, “When any act of violence results in damage to property, concerned police officials should file FIRs and complete investigation as far as possible within the statutory period and submit a report in that regard.”
The circular further said police should immediately inform the Crime Branch with reports of the violence after assessing the damage, if any caused. The Crime Branch will in turn submit a report to the State government.
If there is any delay by police in filing FIR or conducting investigation, it would be considered as inaction on the part of officer.
On the basis of report containing all necessary detail, the Crime Branch will move the Orissa High Court for appointment of the claims commissioner, who will award compensation.
In case of more than one person involved in vandalism, each of them will jointly pay the quantified loss.
Strict instructions should also be issued not to carry any lathi, sword, firearms, explosives and knives. In areas where there is potential for trouble, prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC should be imposed, the circular read.
Prasanta Patnaik