The Allahabad High Court has strongly criticised the lack of accountability among police officials in handling cases of abduction and kidnapping.

Observing that officers often create a “larger-than-life image” while avoiding responsibility, the Court expressed concern over the systemic apathy shown in such sensitive matters.

A division bench comprising Justice JJ Munir and Justice Anil Kumar made these remarks on Tuesday while hearing a writ petition filed by Nitesh Kumar, whose brother has reportedly been missing and allegedly not actively traced by the Varanasi police.

The Court took a stern view of the situation, stating that this lack of urgency and responsibility on the part of police often leads to tragedies where abductions escalate into murders. The bench underscored that the absence of personal accountability enables such outcomes.

In a significant direction, the bench asked the State Government to submit its reply in the matter and also called for a personal affidavit from the Commissioner of Police, Varanasi, by June 12, explaining why the missing individual has not yet been located.

Importantly, the Court remarked that in cases where the abductee is not recovered in time and is ultimately found dead, the prima facie responsibility must lie with the head of the police in the jurisdiction where the report was filed.

This observation adds to the growing judicial emphasis on ensuring police accountability, especially in cases where procedural lapses or indifference could have life-altering consequences.