Naveen acknowledges probe errors, denies deliberate misconduct

Commissioner of Police Ismail Naveen has stated that while procedural errors occur during criminal investigations, there is no evidence to suggest that such mistakes are made deliberately by police officers.

In an interview with Dhauru on Tuesday, Commissioner Naveen addressed concerns about lapses in police investigations—particularly in cases involving narcotics and organised crime—which sometimes result in suspects being released due to procedural flaws.

He said that allegations occasionally arise claiming that police intentionally make errors to release such suspects. However, he maintained that internal reviews and court rulings have not uncovered any instances of deliberate misconduct by officers.

“If such a complaint is received or a court decision indicates wrongdoing, the matter is investigated internally,” Naveen said. “So far, no officer has been found to have acted with intent.”

Citing findings from internal assessments, Commissioner Naveen attributed the procedural errors to investigative shortcuts, insufficient review of case documents, and inadequate crime scene handling.

“These are mistakes stemming from a lack of thoroughness, not deliberate actions,” he said.

He also pointed to the pressure placed on investigators to conclude cases quickly, comparing public expectations to the timeline of fictional crime series.

“There is pressure to finish investigations quickly, but criminal cases are not resolved in one episode,” he said.

Commissioner Naveen emphasised that police officers must be made aware of their responsibilities under the current legal framework. For instance, evidence collected from digital devices must follow procedures involving multiple officers and documented chains of custody.

“There are legal protocols to follow when obtaining and handling evidence,” he said. “These are not the same as before. Officers need to be trained and retrained.”

As part of efforts to address errors and improve the quality of investigations, the Commissioner said he plans to increase the number of supervisors overseeing cases and to provide refresher training to investigators.

“When mistakes occur, we must correct them and ensure they are not repeated,” Naveen said. “Our aim is to improve performance by addressing gaps and strengthening oversight.”