Jodhpur: In a strongly worded order raising serious concerns over police conduct and alleged human rights violations, the Rajasthan High Court has transferred the investigation into a controversial police operation conducted by Kudi Bhagtasni Police Station to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
The case relates to the alleged illegal detention of women during a cyber operation conducted in January 2025. Justice Anil Kumar Upman, while hearing the matter, made severe observations against the police, stating that the conduct of officials reflected blatant violations of legal procedures and constitutional safeguards.
Allegations of Illegal Detention During ‘Operation Cyber Shield’
The controversy stems from a police operation carried out on January 15, 2025, under the name “Operation Cyber Shield,” during which Jodhpur Police allegedly raided a suspected call centre.
Petitioners Priyanka Mewara, Lakshita and others informed the court that police personnel forcibly picked them up from their homes on the evening of January 15 without any registered FIR or formal complaint.
According to the petitioners, ten young women were kept in illegal custody throughout the night at Kudi Bhagtasni Police Station, even though the official FIR in the case was registered only the following day, January 16, at 3:37 PM.
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Court Finds Serious Contradictions in Police Investigation
During the hearing, the High Court reportedly identified several contradictions and irregularities in the police version of events, which led the court to question the credibility of the investigation.
Missing CCTV Footage Raises Suspicion
One of the most serious concerns highlighted by the court was the disappearance of CCTV footage from inside the police station.
The petitioners submitted CCTV recordings from outside their homes allegedly showing Sub-Inspector Shimla taking the women away in an official police vehicle. However, CCTV footage from Kudi Bhagtasni Police Station after 9 PM on January 15 was reportedly missing.
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The court viewed the disappearance of the footage as highly suspicious and indicative of possible tampering with evidence.
Manipulation of Official Records Alleged
The court also observed discrepancies in the police station’s daily diary records. According to the order, there was no official mention of the women being brought to the police station on January 15.
Additionally, the FIR allegedly omitted all references to the events that took place on the evening prior to its registration.
Violation of Legal Safeguards for Women
The High Court further stated that bringing women to a police station after sunset without permission from a woman magistrate amounts to a direct violation of Sections 43(5) and 179 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The court emphasized that the police are legally bound to follow procedural safeguards while dealing with women detainees and cannot bypass constitutional protections.
Strong Remarks Against Police Officials
Justice Anil Kumar Upman made strong observations against the conduct of then Police Inspector Rajendra Choudhary and Sub-Inspector Shimla.
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In its order, the court remarked that when police authorities themselves detain citizens illegally without information of a cognizable offence and allegedly tamper with evidence such as CCTV footage, a fair investigation cannot be expected from the same agency.
The court described the case as a “classic example of law being violated by the very guardians of law.”
CBI Directed to Complete Probe Within Six Months
The High Court has directed the Station House Officer of Kudi Bhagtasni Police Station to hand over all records related to the case to the CBI within one week.
The CBI has been instructed to complete its investigation within six months from the date of receiving the records.
Until the central agency submits its final report, proceedings in the lower court related to the matter will remain stayed.
Questions Raised Over Earlier Internal Probe
The court also took note of discrepancies between the findings of the earlier departmental inquiry and the evidence presented before the court.
Anand Singh Rajpurohit had earlier been appointed as the nodal officer in the matter, but the court reportedly found significant differences between the official report and the factual material placed on record. This ultimately influenced the decision to transfer the investigation to the CBI.
The judgment is expected to have far-reaching implications for police accountability, custodial rights, and procedural transparency in Rajasthan.
