Do not share investigation details with media, DGP issues strict directive

Thiruvananthapuram: The State Police Chief has issued a circular instructing investigating officers not to share case details with the media. The directive comes amid ongoing probes into major cases, including Sabarimala gold theft. The circular is said to be based on a letter from the Director General of Prosecution.

The order specifically prohibits sharing the accused’s confession statements or any updates on investigation progress with the media. The circular, dated October 29, was issued by the State Police Chief.

According to the directive, officers involved in investigations must not disclose case-related information to the media. It notes that in some instances, officers had even conducted press conferences to reveal details, including the accused’s statements.

The High Court has previously issued several directions in this regard. Despite that, officers have continued to share investigation updates publicly. Such actions, the circular warns, could affect the trial process. Confession statements of the accused are not primary evidence in court; yet, when officers publicly portray someone as guilty, and that person is later acquitted, both the judiciary and the investigative agency face public backlash.

Considering these factors, the High Court had earlier restricted not to disclose investigation details to the media. The circular emphasises that violating these restrictions will not be tolerated, and strict action will be taken against any officer who breaches the order. The directive does not refer to any specific case.