Investigating officer asking 3 other police officers to examine witnesses

[Anonymous]

Can the investigating officer of a criminal offence ask other police officers to examine witnesses and record their statements? Is he not required to do the investigation himself? How can more than one IO conduct such investigation in a single case?

[Dr. Ashok Dhamija]

Under the provisions of the Criminal Procedure Code, it is permissible for the investigating officer to take help of other police officers (of the appropriate rank, as laid down) in examining and recording statements of witnesses under Section 161. This section specifically lays down that a police officer (of appropriate rank), acting on the requisition of the investigation officer, may examine witnesses and record their statements.

Sections 165 and 166 allow the investigating officer to take help of other police officers in conducting searches.

Therefore, there is nothing unlawful, if the investigating officer takes help from other police officers in the investigation, by way of examining witnesses, etc. In fact, in investigation of complicated cases, it is a regular practice.

     

---

Dr. Ashok Dhamija is a New Delhi based Supreme Court Advocate and author of law books. Read more about him by clicking here. List of his Forum Replies. List of his other articles. List of his Quora Answers. List of his YouTube Videos.

[Author]

Posts