Police Summon Individual as Part of Preliminary Enquiry Into Complaint by BJP MLA
Udhampur, August 4, KNT: Udhampur Police have issued a notice of appearance to a local resident in connection with a preliminary enquiry initiated on the basis of a complaint submitted by Udhampur West MLA Pawan Gupta.
According to the notice, Mahesh Banathia, a resident of Ward No. 7 near the Head Office in Udhampur, has been directed to appear before the Station House Officer, Police Station Udhampur, in connection with a preliminary enquiry being conducted under Section 173(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.
Section 173(3) of the BNSS empowers a police officer to conduct a preliminary inquiry for up to 14 days before registering an FIR in cognizable offences punishable with imprisonment ranging from three to seven years. Such an inquiry may be initiated only after obtaining prior approval from a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP).
The notice states that the enquiry arises out of an application submitted by MLA Pawan Gupta regarding certain allegations requiring verification. It says the individual’s presence has been considered necessary for a fair and proper enquiry and to furnish any information, documents or clarification that may be required.
The notice further cautions that failure to appear without sufficient cause may invite action as permissible under law.
Police have not disclosed the nature of the allegations referred to in the complaint, and the notice makes it clear that the proceedings are part of a preliminary enquiry. [KNT]
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