Case against photojournalist Kajol: HC unhappy as IOs’ fail to place explanation over probe delay

The High Court today expressed grave dissatisfaction as neither the investigation officers nor the Cyber Tribunal gave any explanation to it over the delay in concluding investigation into two cases filed against photojournalist Shafiqul Islam Kajol under the Digital Security Act.

The court sought the explanation three weeks back.

None of the investigation officers or the Cyber Tribunal has submitted any report to this court on whether the investigation officer has taken permission from the Cyber Tribunal to probe the cases 75 days after filing those, which is very "unfortunate", the HC bench of Justice M Enayetur Rahim and Justice Md Mostafizur Rahman noted.

Justice Enayetur Rahim said the investigation officers were asked to appear before the bench again with the explanation today (Tuesday).

But, the IOs did not appear, nor submitted the explanation before the court, the judge said during hearing two bail petitions filed by accused Kajol in connection with the cases.

The HC bench asked the IOs to appear before it on Thursday to give the explanation.

It also fixed Thursday for hearing the bail petitions and asked Deputy Attorney General Sarwar Hossain Bappi to communicate to the IOs so that they appear before the court on that day.

Lawyer Jyotirmoy Barua appeared for photojournalist Kajol during virtual hearing on the bail petitions today. 

On November 24, the same HC bench granted bail to Kajol in a case filed under the Digital Security Act.

However, Kajol could not be released from jail following the verdict as he is arrested in two other cases.

The same day, the bench also asked the investigation officers of the cases lodged against Kajol with Hazaribagh and Kamrangirchar police stations whether he has taken permission from the Cyber Tribunal to probe the cases after 75 days of filing the cases.

The investigation officers and the Cyber Tribunal have been ordered to submit separate reports to the HC by December 15 (Tuesday).

Two other cases under the Digital Security Act were filed against Kajol on March 10 and 11 with Hazaribagh and Kamrangirchar police stations.