After a recent Supreme Court order pointing out police officials’ lapses while arresting suspects and accused, the state police chief has directed police officials to issue arrest memos to the accused and follow due diligence while carrying out the arrest procedure.
In a circular issued on Wednesday, Alok Mohan, Director General and Inspector General of Police, Karnataka State Police, warned of disciplinary action in case of any lapses on the part of police officials, which could be the reason for the court concerned to grant bail to the accused.
Recently, there have been several instances where police officials have been accused of illegal detention and later showing arrest, which ended up helping the accused secure bail.
Taking cognisance of the Supreme Court order, Mr. Alok Mohan directed the police to issue an arrest memo compulsorily and write down the reason for the arrest. The police should take the accused’s signature and record the details of the arrest, reason, and grounds for the arrest to be submitted to the court.
The circular also warned that the concerned police officials will be held responsible and disciplinary action will be taken if they do not comply with the orders and if the suspect or the accused is granted bail for lack of an arrest procedure.
“The police are following the rules already laid down while executing an arrest. However, this is an additional layer of formalities that has to be followed. The objective of this circular is to check the arbitrary use of the power of arrest,” a police officer said.
Published – April 18, 2025 12:34 am IST
