Dearth of Officers Delays Probe of Cases

KOCHI: Even though a significant number of cases are registered under the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, only a few police officers are authorised to investigate such cases.

In Kochi, more than 50 cases of immoral trafficking were registered in the last two years, but only two officers were notified by the government to take up those cases, resulting in delay in completing investigation.

According to police officials, in Kochi, only the circle-inspectors of the Ernakulam South and Ernakulam Central police stations are having government notification to probe cases registered under the Immoral Traffic Act. Currently, such cases reported in any part of Kochi are handed over to these police officers.

 “In 2012, 35 cases were registered in Kochi, and 210 cases in Kerala, under the Immoral Traffic Act. In 2013, 17 cases were registered in Kochi, and 180 cases in the whole of Kerala. The police officers, who also have to probe murder and murder attempt cases, do not get sufficient time to handle the cases registered under the Immoral Traffic Act. This is the main reason for the low conviction rate in such cases. If the government gives power to more circle inspectors immoral trafficking cases could be investigated more effectively, and the court could dispose such cases in a short time,” a police official said.

Kochi City Police Commissioner K G James said that there were a limited number of police officers having power to probe cases registered under the Immoral Traffic Act.

“They have approached the government to give notification to the other circle inspectors in Kochi. Initially, there were some technical issues, due to which notification was issued to only a few circle inspectors in Kochi. More circle inspectors will given power to probe immoral trafficking cases. The issue will be solved within a few months.” James said.

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