Early Times Report
JAMMU, Jan 23: In a stern order in a rape case trial, the Fast Track Court Jammu, presided over by Amarjeet Singh Langeh, has directed the investigating officer to personally appear and produce the copy of pen drive received from CFSL along with the analysis report of the retrieved data, warning that the court may initiate proceedings for willful disobedience if the directions are not complied with.
The order has been passed in File No. 128/2021 (CNR: JKJM010010702021) titled State through SHO, PS Domana, Jammu Vs Ankit Salgotra, arising out of FIR No. 55/2021, PS Domana, under Section 376 IPC.
The court noted that the matter is pending for prosecution evidence and that on October 31, 2025, the defence moved an application seeking supply of the CFSL report along with the copy of pen drive which the prosecution had placed on record on February 27, 2025. While the CFSL report copy was provided the same day, the prosecution sought time regarding supply of the pen drive copy and later filed objections on November 15, 2025.
Subsequently, on December 30, 2025, after hearing the parties, the court deemed it appropriate to direct the investigating officer to remain present with his copy of the pen drive received from the laboratory. During the hearing, the Additional Public Prosecutor also submitted that the analysis report of the retrieved data contained in the pen drive had not been placed on record till then.
Making pointed observations, the court said it is incumbent upon the investigating officer to place on record the analysis report so that the IO can clearly delineate what incriminating material is contained in the electronic data which the prosecution has to substantiate during trial, adding that this "is to say the least."
On January 21, 2026, the court recorded the prosecution's submission that the earlier order had been sent to the police station for compliance and that the investigating officer, PW-10 Inspector Mahesh Sharma, is presently posted as SDPO. The court again directed the IO to comply with the order dated 30.12.2025 by producing the CFSL pen drive copy along with the analysis report and to remain personally present on the next date of hearing.
The court made it clear that if the investigating officer fails to comply and "chooses to stay away," appropriate proceedings for willful disobedience would be initiated. It further underlined that unless the analysis report based on examination of the data is produced, the court cannot even assess which data has a bearing on the prosecution case as a vital piece of evidence.
A copy of the order has been directed to be forwarded to the investigating officer through the Senior Superintendent of Police, Reasi, and the matter has been listed for further proceedings on February 18, 2026.
(JNF) |
