In an embarrassing lapse by Uttar Pradesh Police, Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) Nagma Khan was wrongly named as an accused in a theft case by a police officer, triggering an unwarranted search for the sitting judge, reported the Times Now.
The incident occurred in Firozabad, where Station House Officer Banwarilal, tasked with executing a proclamation order under Section 82 CrPC against a theft suspect named Rajkumar alias Pappu, mistakenly entered CJM Nagma Khan’s name in the report. Rather than verifying the details, the officer proceeded to raid the residence of the judge in search of the “accused.”
The blunder came to light during a court hearing on March 23, when CJM Khan herself found her name listed as the accused. Expressing outrage, she termed the situation “bizarre” and criticized the officer for his lack of attention and legal understanding. She noted that the officer had confused the proclamation with a non-bailable warrant and carelessly inserted her name without verification.
Taking serious note of the negligence, the court has ordered strict action. Officer Banwarilal has been suspended and a departmental inquiry has been launched.
This incident has raised serious questions about procedural discipline and competence within the state’s police force.
