The matter pertains to a theft reported at the petitioner's residence on March 7, 2026. (File Photo: ITG)

Cop turns to tantrik in theft probe, court steps in, orders change of officer

A single-judge bench of Justice Munnuri Laxman also directed the Superintendent of Police, Nagaur, to transfer the investigation of a theft case to a sub-inspector-rank officer from another police station.

by · India Today

In Short

  • The theft took place on March 7, 2026
  • Head constable Rati Ram took help of tantrik to solve case
  • Tantrik' named petitioner's daughter-in-law's father as accused

The Rajasthan High Court has reprimanded Nagaur Police for allegedly relying on a tantrik to investigate a case of theft, observing that no criminal investigation can be based on supernatural beliefs.

A single-judge bench of Justice Munnuri Laxman also directed the Superintendent of Police, Nagaur, to transfer the investigation of a theft case to a sub-inspector-rank officer from another police station.

The matter pertains to a theft reported at the petitioner's residence on March 7, 2026, in which gold and silver jewellery, along with cash, were stolen.

The investigation was initially assigned to head constable Rati Ram, who, according to the petitioner, took the complainant and some villagers to a tantrik in Alwar after failing to crack the case. The bhopi allegedly identified Mohanram, the father of the petitioner’s daughter-in-law, as the accused, following which the police began probing in that direction.

Counsel for the petitioner, Advocate Manohar Singh Rathore, argued before the court that there is no provision of law permitting investigations based on a tantrik’s alleged assertions, and that inquiries must be grounded strictly in evidence.

The public prosecutor informed the court that the investigating officer had visited the location in Alwar where the tantrik resides. Taking note of this, the court observed that the investigation must be conducted in a fair and lawful manner.

The court accordingly directed the replacement of the current investigating officer and ordered that the investigation be handed over to a new officer within 15 days.

- Ends