LI Network
Published on: December 31, 2023 at 00:10 IST
The Bombay High Court has instructed the Maharashtra Police to take immediate action in apprehending all individuals involved in a 2018 investment scam, emphasizing the severity of the crime.
Highlighting the alleged lack of diligence by the police, the High Court directed the Superintendent of Police in Kolhapur to ensure an inquiry into the conduct of the investigating officers involved in the case.
The incident revolves around the Mekar Group of India, which purportedly gathered over Rs 56 crore from multiple investors and misused these funds.
Justice GA Sanap stressed, “The investigating officer’s responsibility was to thoroughly conclude this investigation in such a serious crime. The SP of Kolhapur was expected to supervise this investigation.”
Expressing disappointment, Justice Sanap remarked, “Had appropriate measures been taken earlier, the distress of the deceived investors wouldn’t exist.”
While addressing the bail request of one of the accused, Bhaskar Limbkar, the High Court directed the Kolhapur SP to not only ensure the arrests of all involved individuals but also to probe the responsible investigating officers.
The Court noted that despite the case being filed in 2018, only three individuals were initially arrested, two of whom were granted bail. Following the court’s strong reprimand of the police earlier, four more arrests were made.
Justice Sanap commented, “The recent arrests, post our court order, suggest that prompt actions could have led to the arrest of all involved. The investigative shortcomings noted by the court are grave.”
Previously, the High Court had instructed the police to establish a special team aiding the investigating officer in capturing the remaining suspects.
The case emerged after a complaint lodged by one of the 93 investors against the company and its implicated members.