J&K panel to probe cases against police

Jammu and Kashmir government will set up a State Police Complaints Authority to inquire into misconduct accusations against police personnel in the state.

“The government shall within six months of coming into force of this Act (J&K Police Act), establish a State Police Complaints Authority (SPCA) to examine and inquire into complaints of misconduct against police personnel,” according to the draft J&K Police Bill, 2013.

Under the Act, District Police Complaints Authorities (DPCAs) will also be set up under the monitoring of the SPCA. The authority will inquire into allegations of misconduct against police personnel on complaints from victims, or any person on his or her behalf on sworn affidavit.

SPCA will also probe the complaints received from National Human Rights Commission and State Human Rights Commission, besides DPCAs, the draft Bill stated.

The authority will deal with the complaints of human rights violations and custodial killings by the police, the draft Bill said.

J&K Police Bill, 2013 is likely to be tabled in the budget session starting from February 28.