No Evidence to Demonstrate Bias or Lack of Credibility in Police Investigation: Delhi HC Dismisses Plea for Re-investigation in Shahdara Quintuple Murder Case

In a significant judgment, the Delhi High Court dismissed a petition seeking re-investigation of a high-profile quintuple murder in Shahdara, Delhi. The case titled ‘Krishna vs. Delhi Police & Ors’ was pronounced by Hon’ble Mr. Justice Amit Sharma on April 4, 2024.

The petition, filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India and Section 482 of the Cr.P.C., raised questions about the alleged wrongful implication of the petitioner’s family members in a quintuple murder case due to media pressure on the Delhi Police. The petitioner sought transfer of the case to the CBI or an independent agency, citing lapses in the police investigation.

Initially, the FIR was lodged against unknown persons under Section 302 of the IPC, but the petitioner’s son and son-in-law were later arrested. The petitioner contested the investigation, highlighting issues such as delay in FIR registration, failure to examine local witnesses, and overlooking the property dispute angle. She also questioned the probability of her family members committing the crime.

The Court observed that no substantial evidence was presented to demonstrate any bias or lack of credibility in the police investigation. It was noted that scientific evidence like DNA profiling implicated the petitioner’s son and son-in-law in the crime. The property dispute angle, explored by the police, was found unsubstantiated.

The Court also made a distinction between an inquiry under Section 174 and an investigation under Section 154 of the Cr.P.C. It ruled that the FIR’s registration and the investigative process were in order as per legal requirements.

Decision The Delhi High Court dismissed the appeal for re-investigation, citing no substantial ground to doubt the credibility or impartiality of the police investigation. The Court emphasized that the scientific evidence and investigation findings are pending evaluation by the trial court. The petition and pending applications were accordingly disposed of.

Date of Decision: April 4, 2024

Krishna vs. Delhi Police & Ors