Jodhpur, May 28: The Rajasthan High Court on Tuesday issued a stern rebuke to the Superintendent of Police (SP) of Pali for the police’s failure to trace a minor girl who has been missing for over eight months. The court criticized the SP for what it described as a “casual approach” in handling the case and warned of potential action if results are not produced within a month.
The bench of Justice Dr. Pushpendra Singh Bhati and Justice Sunil Beniwal expressed serious displeasure over an affidavit submitted by SP Chunararam Jat, questioning how a senior IPS officer could sign an affidavit without thoroughly reviewing its contents. The court rejected the affidavit and demanded a detailed explanation.
Background of the Case
The case involves a minor girl who went missing from Pali district on October 10, 2024. Despite the FIR being lodged by her father, local police reportedly failed to make any significant progress in locating her, focusing instead on procedural formalities.
Frustrated by the police inaction, the father filed a habeas corpus petition on January 15, 2025, through advocates Ripudaman Singh and Lalkar Singh. In response, the High Court took cognizance and on April 26 ordered the SP to provide a comprehensive update on the investigation and produce the minor in court by May 26.
However, when the matter was heard on May 26, AAG Deepak Chaudhary submitted a 19-paragraph affidavit on behalf of the Pali SP. The bench took issue with paragraphs 17, 18, and 19 of the document, finding them inadequate and dismissive.
Court’s Reaction and SP’s Response
During Tuesday’s hearing, SP Chunararam Jat appeared in person before the court. The bench questioned the informal tone and lack of substance in the affidavit, warning that disciplinary action could follow if such lapses continued.
Admitting to the error, SP Jat assured the court that more rigorous efforts would be made going forward. He also requested ten more days to locate the minor. The court granted a one-month extension but made it clear that failure to present the missing girl by then could result in direct action against the SP.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
