Police Headquarters Takes Major Action, Sherghati SHO and Village Watchman Suspended; Main Accused Arrested
Gaya: In a major development in the high-profile LLB student Divya Kumari Paswan murder case, the Bihar Police Headquarters has taken strict administrative action over alleged lapses in the investigation. Taking serious note of the findings, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Sushil Kumar has suspended Sherghati Police Station SHO Mohan Kumar and village watchman Devendra Kashyap with immediate effect. Departmental proceedings have also been initiated against both officials.
Meanwhile, the main accused, Rahul Kumar Yadav, has been arrested. After being questioned by the police, he was handed over to the Jharkhand Police following the completion of the required legal formalities. Officials believe that the latest action will help strengthen the ongoing investigation.
Serious Lapses Found During Inquiry
According to the order issued by the SSP, Poonam Kumari submitted a written complaint to DSP-1 on July 20, raising several serious concerns regarding the handling of the case by the police.
The complaint alleged that although an FIR had been registered at Sherghati Police Station based on the complaint filed by the victim's mother, Urmila Devi, the police failed to invoke the relevant provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, despite the deceased belonging to a Scheduled Caste (SC) community.
Action Over Failure to Apply SC/ST Act
During the preliminary inquiry, authorities found that the relevant provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act had not been included in the FIR. Treating the omission as a serious procedural lapse, the Police Headquarters initiated action against the officials concerned.
The SSP stated that strict accountability would be ensured in cases where legal provisions are ignored or not applied appropriately during the registration and investigation of criminal cases.
Officials emphasized that whenever applicable, the provisions of the SC/ST Act must be incorporated into the FIR in accordance with the law.
SHO and Watchman Suspended
Based on the findings of the preliminary inquiry, Sherghati SHO Mohan Kumar and village watchman Devendra Kashyap have been suspended with immediate effect.
Departmental inquiries have also been initiated to determine the extent of negligence and whether established legal procedures were violated during the registration of the FIR and the initial stages of the investigation.
Main Accused Rahul Kumar Yadav Arrested
The police have arrested the main accused, Rahul Kumar Yadav, in connection with the murder case. After his arrest, investigators conducted detailed questioning to gather information relevant to the case.
Following the completion of the required legal procedures, the accused was handed over to the Jharkhand Police, which is also involved in the investigation. Authorities said both Bihar and Jharkhand Police are coordinating closely to ensure a comprehensive inquiry.
Special Investigation Continues
Given the sensitive nature of the case, senior police officers are closely monitoring the investigation. The inquiry is currently focusing on several aspects, including:
- The circumstances surrounding the murder
- The relationship between the accused and the victim
- The possible motive behind the crime
- Physical and forensic evidence collected from the crime scene
- Digital and electronic evidence
- The possible involvement of other individuals
Officials stated that all available evidence is being examined scientifically to ensure a fair and thorough investigation.
Demand for Justice Intensifies
The murder of Divya Kumari Paswan has triggered widespread public concern. Several student organizations, social groups, and local residents have demanded a transparent investigation and strict punishment for those found guilty.
Many organizations have also called for action against any police officials found responsible for negligence during the initial stages of the investigation.
Strong Message from Police Headquarters
The disciplinary action is being viewed as a clear message from the Bihar Police Headquarters that negligence in handling serious criminal cases will not be tolerated.
Senior officials have stressed that accountability among police personnel is essential to maintaining public confidence in the criminal justice system.
Importance of Proper Application of the SC/ST Act
Legal experts have pointed out that cases involving members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes require careful application of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, wherever legally applicable.
Failure to include the relevant provisions at the time of registering an FIR can affect the legal process and potentially delay justice for victims and their families.
Family Awaits Justice
The family of Divya Kumari Paswan has welcomed the action taken against the police officials and expressed hope that the investigation will now proceed fairly and transparently.
The family has reiterated its demand for a comprehensive investigation and strict legal action against everyone found responsible for the crime and any procedural lapses.
The suspension of the Sherghati SHO and village watchman, along with the arrest of the main accused, marks a significant development in the Divya Kumari Paswan murder case.
However, the investigation is still underway, and the final conclusions will depend on the outcome of the ongoing inquiry and judicial proceedings. Police authorities have stated that anyone found guilty—whether in connection with the crime itself or due to negligence in the investigation—will face appropriate legal and departmental action in accordance with the law.
