Case against miscreants who demolished bus shelter: Police to HC

Madurai: Police have informed the Madras high court that a criminal case has been registered and investigation has commenced to initiate action against the miscreants who demolished a bus shelter in Kuttakadai village in Karur district. Following this, the court directed the authorities to identify a suitable place for construction of a new bus shelter for the benefit of people.

The court was hearing a public interest litigation filed in 2024 by M Rasappan.

A division bench of justice S M Subramaniam and justice G Arul Murugan observed that the existing bus shelter was demolished by some miscreants. No criminal case was registered despite the complaint given by the panchayat president who complained that the bus shelter was illegally demolished by some unknown people. The police authority during the relevant point of time committed dereliction of duty by not registering an FIR based on the complaint given by the panchayat president. Therefore, the court earlier directed the Karur district superintendent of police (SP) to conduct an inquiry and file a report.

In the status report, Karur SP submitted that disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against a woman sub-inspector of police for lapses in investigation. The SP submitted that an FIR has also been registered by the Velayuthampalayam police station and the investigation has commenced. The inspector of police is the investigating officer.

Taking into account the report, the judges observed that the investigation must be proceeded with by following the procedures in accordance with law. The block development officer may take an administrative decision in the interest of the public and construct a bus shelter in a place which may be suitable. Construction of a new bus shelter shall be completed within six months, the judges directed and disposed of the petition.