Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh – In a shocking revelation that exposes the negligence of Sitapur police, the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) has slammed the investigating officer for filing a final investigation report based on the statement of a woman who died two years ago. The case highlights serious lapses in the police investigation process and possible corruption.
The matter came to light on Friday when ACJM-II Swarangi Shukla examined the investigation report submitted by the Sandana police. The court was surprised to find that the report also included the statement of the deceased complainant Dunna, who had died about two years ago. Despite this glaring discrepancy, the top police officials approved the flawed report and filed it in the court.
Finding the serious irregularity, the court immediately rejected the investigation report and criticised the negligence and biased attitude of the Sandana police.
Background of the case
The dispute dates back to 2020, when serious allegations of bribery were leveled against Gram Pradhan Shyama Devi of Hindora Gram Panchayat under Gondlamau block. She was accused of taking bribes from villagers in exchange for allotment of houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.
After the complaints, the District Magistrate ordered an inquiry by the AR Cooperative Department and the Executive Engineer of the Sharda Canal Section. The allegations were confirmed in the investigation and on August 20, 2020, the DM considered it a criminal act and directed the police to register an FIR.
However, after a gap of four years, finally on July 30, 2024, an FIR was registered at the Sandana police station by ADO Agriculture Pramod Kumar on the instructions of the then CDO Nidhi Bansal.
The investigation was handed over to Sub-Inspector Ramdular Rawat, who submitted the final report (No. 20/2024) on August 13, 2024. Shockingly, the report mentioned the statements being recorded on dates that did not match the reality of the complainant’s death.
Court condemns lax investigation
During the hearing, the court found that while the case diary mentioned the affidavit and statement of complainant Dunna being recorded on August 5, 2024, another entry in the same diary confirmed that Dunna had died two years ago. Moreover, the statement of Gram Pradhan Shyama Devi was recorded in the diary on January 18, 2025, which was an upcoming date, in a peculiar manner, raising further questions on the authenticity of the investigation.
ACJM Swarangi Shukla expressed strong displeasure over such gross irregularities and termed the investigation as “biased and opaque”. The court termed the investigation as void and directed the Sandana police to conduct a fresh and impartial investigation.
Fresh investigation ordered
The court has directed the Station House Officer (SHO) of Sandana police station to re-investigate the case thoroughly. The case files and related documents have been recalled to the court by October 21, 2025 for further action.
The case has raised serious concerns over the functioning of the local police, and has shown how lapses in investigation can delay justice in corruption cases. Citizens and activists have demanded strict action against negligent officials to ensure accountability in the system.