In order to bring rapists and sexual offenders to justice, the Delhi Police has instructed the investigating officers to file the charge-sheet in 20 days. The countdown to this period will commence after the arrest of the accused, said Delhi Police Commissioner BS Bassi, while addressing the media in his annual Press conference.
Crime against women has always been an issue of prime importance for the Delhi Police. After the hue and cry post the December 16 gang-rape case, police have become more sensitive and registering cases immediately after they are reported. The Delhi Police Commissioner on Friday declared that all investigating officers will have to file a charge-sheet against a rape accused within 20 days after his arrest.
“The charge-sheet should be filed in 20 days; if they fail to do so, the senior officers will have to provide reasons and would be taken to the task,” said Bassi. He added that first it will be brought to the notice of the Joint Commissioner of Police and the charge-sheet should be filed within 30 days. If its not filed within 30 days, it will be apprised with Special Commissioner (law and Order) and Special Commissioner (Crime) explaining the delay and these officers will bring it to the Commissioner’s notice. Presently, the time limit for preparing charge-sheet for such offences is 90 days.