The Rajasthan High Court has criticized the police investigation into a jewellery theft case in Nagaur district, citing influence by a ‘tantrik’. The court ordered the removal of the investigating officer within 15 days, emphasizing that criminal investigations should not be guided by such practices. This decision came during the hearing of a petition filed by an 80-year-old resident of Utwalia village, Khemi Devi.
The petitioner had reported a theft of gold and silver jewellery on March 8, accusing specific individuals, but the investigating officer failed to make progress. Instead of following evidence, the officer allegedly consulted a tantrik in Alwar district, leading to suspicions against the daughter-in-law’s father without substantial proof. The court deemed this reliance on superstition unacceptable in a criminal investigation.
Justice Munnuri Laxman highlighted the need for an unbiased investigation to uncover the truth behind the theft. Stressing the importance of impartiality, the court directed the transfer of the case to a different officer and emphasized the inappropriateness of conducting investigations based on the advice of a tantrik.
