New Delhi, Nov 9 (IANS) The Delhi High Court Monday pulled up the Delhi Police for its shoddy investigation in a rape case, due to which the alleged accused could not be arrested for more than a year.
Justice Kailash Gambhir, while dismissing the anticipatory bail plea of Arif who is accused of raping a girl April 16, 2008, said: “It is quite shocking that First Information Report (FIR) was registered almost one and a half year back clearly naming the petitioner for dastardly offence of rape but till date, he has not been arrested.”

“If the police, during the investigation, collected sufficient material, the statement of sister-in-law of the victim was recorded and the medical report clearly indicated that the victim received external injuries, then in such a serious offence, there was no reason as to why the petitioner was not arrested,” he said.

The court asked the deputy commissioner of police (DCP) concerned to explain the reasons for not arresting Arif for such a long period and posted the matter to Nov 18.

The court also asked the DCP to explain on what basis Arif’s submission that he was with the Education and Tourism minister was admitted, saying: “The petitioner is a mere political worker with whom there are rare chances that minister had a scheduled meeting.”

According to the prosecution, Arif had allegedly raped a girl on April 16, 2008 in a van and then pushed her out of the vehicle.

However, Arif contested the charges, claiming he was with the minister that day, a fact which had been verified by the police and he should be granted anticipatory bail.