1 2026:CGHC:18019-DB NAFR HIGH COURT OF CHHATTISGARH AT BILASPUR WPCR No. 216 of 2026 Lekhram Sinha S/o Late Maniram Sinha Aged About 65 Years R/o Vill. Dhanpuri, Ps Gurur, District Balod Chhattisgarh ... Petitioner versus 1 - State of Chhattisgarh Through Secretary, Home Department, Mantralaya, Atal Nagar, Nava Raipur (C.G.) 2 - State of Chhattisgarh The Superintendent of Police, District Balod (C.G.) 3 - State of Chhattisgarh Through The Station House Officer, Police Sta- tion Gurur, District Balod (C.G.) 4 - Nayan Rana S/o Mansingh Rana Aged About 40 Years R/o Smriti Nagar, Bhilai (C.G.) 5 - Harakhram Baghel Assistant Sub Inspector, PS Gurur, District Balod (C.G.) ... Respondents _________________________________________________________ For Petitioner : Mr. Sabyasachi Bhaduri, Advocate For Respondent/State : Mr. Nitansh Jaiswal, Dy. Govt. Advocate Hon'ble Shri Ramesh Sinha, Chief Justice Hon'ble Shri Ravindra Kumar Agrawal , Judge Order on Board Per Ramesh Sinha , Chief Justice 21.04.2026 1 Heard Mr. Sabyasachi Bhaduri, learned counsel for the petitioner. Also heard Mr. Nitansh Jaiswal, learned Deputy Government Advocate, appearing for the State/respondents. ROHIT KUMAR CHANDRA Digitally signed by ROHIT KUMAR CHANDRA 2 2 The present writ petition has been filed by the petitioner with the following prayers: “a) Issue an appropriate writ/order directing fair, impartial and time-bound investigation, and Direct expeditious filing of charge-sheet within a stipulated period in FIR No. 183/2025 dated 24.09.2025 registered at Police Station Gurur, District Balod u/s 318(4) of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023; b) Direct departmental enquiry against the Investigating Officer and concerned police officials as directed by the Ld. trial court in order dated 19.02.2026 passed by the Ld. CJM, Balod in MJC (Crl) No. 24/26.; c) Direct the police authorities to arrest the accused/ Respondent No.4 forthwith in accordance with law; d) Any other relief(s) in favor of Petitioner as this Hon'ble Court may deem fit and proper under the facts and circumstances of the case.” 3 Learned counsel for the petitioner would submit that the present writ petition has been filed against the inaction and apathy of the respondent police authorities in conducting a fair and effective investigation in FIR No. 183/2025 dated 24.09.2025 registered at Police Station Gurur, District Balod under Section 318(4) of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. It is contended that despite the seriousness of the allegations, the investigation has been carried out in a casual and negligent manner, compelling the petitioner to approach this Hon’ble 3 Court. It is further submitted that the learned Chief Judicial Magistrate, Balod, vide order dated 19.02.2026 in MJC (Crl.) No. 24/26, has already recorded adverse findings regarding the deficient investigation and recommended departmental enquiry as well as transfer of investigation officer. However, no effective steps have been taken by the respondent authorities in compliance thereof, nor has any action been initiated against the erring officials. 4 Learned State counsel submits that investigation in the present case is under progress and the same would be completed shortly. 5 Considering the facts and circumstances of the case, particularly, the fact that the investigation could have been completed by the investigating agency though the FIR was lodged way back on 24.09.2025, the concerned Investigating Officer is directed to conclude the investigation and submit a Police Report under Section 173(2) of the Cr.P.C. [Section 193(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023] before the Competent Court within a period of three weeks from today in accordance with law and the concerned Superintendent of Police / Senior Superintendent of Police, is directed to ensure that the investigation in the present case is carried out in a fair manner. 6 The Director General of Police, Chhattisgarh is directed to inform this Court as to what action has been taken against the SHO concern against whom, the learned Chief Judicial Magistrate, Balod, vide order dated 19.02.2026 in MJC (Crl.) No. 24/26, has already recorded adverse findings regarding the deficient investigation and recommended 4 departmental enquiry. The report shall be submitted in a closed envelope through the Registrar (Judicial) of this Court within a period of two weeks from today, who shall place the same before us in our Chambers for its perusal. 7 With the aforesaid observations and directions, the instant petition stands disposed of. 8 Registrar (Judicial) is directed to send a copy of this order the Director General of Police, Chhattisgarh for necessary information and compliance forthwith. Sd/- Sd/- (Ravindra Kumar Agrawal) (Ramesh Sinha) Judge Chief Justice Chandra