Single IO to probe cases and counter cases, police chief issues guidelines

In a significant move aimed at streamlining criminal investigations and ensuring legal compliance, Karnataka Police Chief M.A. Saleem has issued a standing order, laying down a standard operating procedure for handling investigations into cases and counter-cases. This follows repeated lapses by field officers and strong observations by the High Court of Karnataka. 

The standing order mandates that all case and counter-case matters — defined as disputes arising from the same incident involving rival parties — must be investigated by a single investigating officer (IO). Authorities noted that multiple instances had surfaced where separate officers handled related cases independently, leading to contradictions and legal setbacks.