Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has directed the officers-in-charge of all police stations in the state to file chargesheets in all pending rape, murder, drug trafficking and arms cases within six months for speedy trial.

Addressing the first conference of OCs here on Monday as part of the government’s efforts to redefine policing standards in the state, the chief minister highlighted the failings of the present policing system to ensure justice and assured all help from his end to help improve the situation to win the trust of the people and curb crime rate.

Directing the OCs to strictly deal with crime against women, Sarma said it was important to properly file the chargesheet at the earliest to ensure justice to victims.

This will help send the right message to all offenders and would-be offenders before they indulge in any anti-social activities, he said.

“The CID will be engaged to train OCs in preparing chargesheets and capable public prosecutors will be hired for ensuring justice delivery and conviction. Engage the computer literate from your team to file a chargesheet. Strengthening law and order for the safety and security of every citizen is at the core of our governance,” Sarma said, adding that all steps must be taken to stop cow smuggling.

Apart from filing the chargesheet in heinous cases like rape, murder, drug peddling, women trafficking and molestation, Sarma also directed the OCs to deliver post-mortem reports to the kin of the victims within 15 days.

“Police verification reports for jobs and passports should be issued within seven days except in doubtful cases. Death reports too should be issued within 24 hours in road accident cases for hassle-free insurance claims. Such steps will help build trust among the people who will become your sources and help you effectively discharge your duty. Your duty is to deliver the best possible service to the people,” Sarma said.

He also took the opportunity to tell the deputy inspectors-general and superintendents of police to help the OCs perform their duty efficiently.

“DIGs should ensure post-mortem report collection as soon as possible. Also, steps have to be taken to send samples for testing to forensic labs outside the state for minimising delay as the only forensic lab in Guwahati is not sufficient,” Sarma said.

Sarma said he will hold a review meeting of the OCs every six months so they can be prepared with their progress report, adding that zero-tolerance should be shown towards criminals.

“There is criticism of policemen shooting accused/criminals who tried to flee or harm others in the recent past. Law allows to shoot them in the leg. If this is the pattern, let it remain so to send the right message,” he said.

Though the chief minister’s step was welcomed, some pointed out that Sarma should also look into the deployment of orderlies at the residence of senior police officials.

“These orderlies are also policemen. How many have to be deployed and for how long, the chief minister should look into it,” a source said.

Sarma also announced a series of measures to help the OCs discharge their duties effectively that included:

⚫ All police stations would receive Rs 2.5 lakh annually as a contingency fund apart from other allocations.

⚫ Source fund to all OCs to gather intelligence. This fund will help pay informers/sources.

⚫ All OCs will be provided with a vehicle for their police station or motorcycles in difficult and inaccessible areas within three months.

⚫ Three computers would be provided to all police stations for streamlining the filing of FIRs and other paperwork.

⚫ Residential quarters to be built within all police station premises.

⚫ One generator would be provided to each police station.

⚫ Health check-ups for personnel in police stations every 15 days.