Odisha: Powers of arrest, investigation, prosecution under SC/ST Act extended to Inspectors, SIs

Bhubaneswar: The Home Department of Odisha Government has conferred certain powers under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 to Inspectors, Sub-Inspectors (Sis) along with DSPs.

As per reports, the powers of arrest, investigation, and prosecution under the SC/ST Act have been extended to Inspectors of Police, Sub-Inspectors of Police (in addition to existing Deputy Superintendents of Police)

It is to be noted that normally, such powers are exercised under BNSS/CrPC by higher-ranked officers. However, now the power was delegated to Inspectors and Sub-Inspectors for faster action.

This is applicable to cases registered under the SC/ST (PoA) Act, 1989 within Odisha.