Police officer suspended for procedural lapses that freed assault accused on same day bail

A Thiruvananthapuram City Police officer has been removed from duty after an inquiry found he failed to follow arrest procedures, enabling three men accused of assaulting four schoolchildren to secure same-day bail.

Civil police officer Zulfiqar, attached to Pettah station, did not issue arrest intimations to the relatives of the accused, a procedural requirement that proved critical when the case reached court. The lapse meant the accused avoided remand custody entirely.

Restaurant altercation over rice serving

The assault occurred on August 27 at a city hotel where the students had ordered a half 'mandhi'. After restaurant staff allegedly told them rice was available without limit, the children requested a second serving, according to the complaint.

An altercation followed, and the restaurant owner along with two employees allegedly assaulted the four minors. Parents filed a complaint, and police took the owner and staff into custody.

Accused released same day

Despite the arrests, all three accused secured bail within hours owing to alleged procedural lapses. The parents subsequently lodged fresh complaints about how the case was being handled.

The District Police Chief (Thiruvananthapuram City) ordered Zulfiqar's suspension after an inquiry confirmed the serious lapse in duty.

Source: The Hindu