VIJAYAWADA: While acquitting P Satyam Babu in the sensational Ayesha Meera murder case - after he served 8 long years in prison - the Hyderabad High Court had ordered the state government to refer the names of the officers involved in the investigation of the murder case to the apex panel headed by the home secretaries of the respective states for identification and initiate necessary action against them.
However, there is no apex committee in Telangana in spite of the Supreme Court’s directions of January, 2014. While this could be an obstacle in initiating action against the investigation officers, the Telangana police have decided to adopt a wait-and-watch approach.
The state police have decided to respond only after the apex committee of the Andhra Pradesh government headed by its home secretary identifies officers, some of whom are working in Telangana, and if and when intimated the TS government on taking action against erring officials.
A couple of police officers, including the present Hyderabad DCP (traffic) AV Ranganath, who was involved in the investigation, are now working in Telangana after bifurcation. If the investigation officers are found guilty, only the Telangana government can initiate action against them.
When contacted, Telangana DGPAnurag Sharma said that the state police would respond only after the AP government completes its inquiry and makes a request in this regard.
“We would respond if there is any request from the Andhra Pradesh government in this case,” the Telangana DGP said.
In its judgment in state of Gujarat vs Kishanbhai, the Supreme Court had ordered the home departments of all states to set up apex committees with the home secretary as chairman within six months of the judgment for the identification of investigating and prosecuting officials whose negligence and culpable lapses led to the failure of prosecution and take departmental action against all guilty.