‘Untraceable’ Accused Photographed Inside High Court: Allahabad HC Questions Police Integrity
Allahabad High Court expresses shock after an absconding accused, declared untraceable by police, was found photographed inside court premises.
The Allahabad High Court recently pulled up the Prayagraj Police after finding that an absconding gang-rape accused, claimed to be “untraceable” by the police, was photographed inside the high court premises for filing an affidavit.
While warning that it may transfer the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the court observed that the situation raised serious doubts about the integrity of the investigation.
"It is really shocking that a fugitive, who is roaming so close to the High Court and almost taking part in the process of hearing of this writ petition, is away from the hands of the Police and cannot be apprehended. It speaks volumes about the fidelity of the Officer, who is investigating the matter, prima facie," said the bench of Justice J.J. Munir and Justice Tarun Saxena.
Court was hearing a criminal writ petition filed by the informant, where it was informed that despite repeated efforts, the accused could not be traced. However, during the course of proceedings, a counter affidavit was filed on behalf of the accused, which contained photographs of him taken through the high court’s official camera within the court premises.
Taking note of this development, the bench recorded its shock that a person declared absconding was “roaming so close to the high court” and was virtually participating in proceedings, while remaining beyond the reach of the police.
Court also expressed dissatisfaction with the compliance affidavit filed by the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Dhoomanganj, Prayagraj. It noted that the affidavit appeared to be an attempt to gain time rather than a genuine disclosure of steps taken to apprehend the accused.
"Whether the Police are siding with him, as we suspect in the matter, would be determined in a few days to come," the bench said.
Observing that it could not remain a silent spectator in such circumstances, the bench said it was contemplating transferring the investigation to the CBI as a last resort.
At the same time, court granted a final opportunity of ten days to the police to arrest the accused and produce him before the court on the next date of hearing.
The proceedings also saw appearance by counsel for the accused, who sought time to obtain instructions regarding his production. Court noted that this further strengthened its suspicion that the accused was attempting to evade arrest while simultaneously engaging with the judicial process.
Prima facie questioning the conduct of the investigating officer, the bench observed that the developments “speak volumes” about the manner in which the investigation was being handled.
The matter has been posted for further hearing on May 8, 2026, with the court directing that the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Dhoomanganj, Prayagraj shall remain personally present.
Court has also directed that its order be communicated within 24 hours to the Additional Chief Secretary (Home), Government of Uttar Pradesh, the Director General of Police, Uttar Pradesh, and the Commissioner of Police, Prayagraj.
Case Title: Infarmant (X) vs. State Of U.P. And 7 Others
Order Date: April 23, 2026
Bench : Justices J.J. Munir and Tarun Saxena