Kolkata, July 12 (IANS) Kolkata Police have issued strict guidelines to expedite the registration and transfer of Zero FIRs within its jurisdiction as well as to neighbouring districts, a senior police officer said on Sunday. The guidelines have been issued to prevent administrative reluctance and systemic delays at the police station level in registering and transferring such FIRs.

Kolkata Police Commissioner Ajay Nand issued the order on Sunday.

According to the order: “It has been observed that there is an inordinate delay in filing of FIR after registration of Zero FIR within the jurisdiction of Kolkata Police as well as neighbouring districts. Such delays adversely impact the timely disposal of criminal cases and the effective administration of criminal justice.”

According to the guidelines, the officer-in-charge registering the Zero FIR must personally contact the officer-in-charge of the receiving police station to ensure the immediate and seamless transfer of the case. The transferring officer has also been directed to communicate all relevant facts of the case, along with the contact details of the complainant, to the receiving officer-in-charge.

At the same time, police can no longer keep victims or their families in the dark. The complainant must be informed of the exact follow-up action being taken by the department. The contact details of the officer-in-charge of the receiving police station must also be shared with the complainant to ensure transparency.

“In all cases relating to offences against women, the registration and transfer of the Zero FIR shall be reported immediately to the concerned divisional Deputy Commissioner of Police,” the order stated.

The guidelines have been issued following the recent brutal rape and murder of a minor in Baruipur in South 24 Parganas district. So far, four persons have been arrested in connection with the crime against the minor girl. One of them, Pravas Mondal, was killed in an encounter last week after he allegedly attempted to escape from police custody by snatching the firearm of an escorting police officer. West Bengal Police on Sunday changed the investigating officer (IO) in the case and appointed a more experienced and senior-ranking officer. Santanu Mukhopadhyay, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP)-rank officer, has been appointed to investigate the matter. The previous two investigating officers, who were replaced in succession, were Inspector-rank officers.

–IANS

sch/pgh