Probe of frauds where common man is victim be expedited: HC

“In such cases,there should be a quick relief. A person approaches the police with a complaint,but he is sent from one police station to another. Sometimes we see total inertia and inaction on the part of the police,” Justice Desai said.

Calling for expeditious action in such matters,the bench observed that police had a tendency to drive away people who came to lodge a complaint.

“When police sees huge documents,they try to avoid taking it up and shut it away saying it’s a civil case,” Justice Desai said.

Public Prosecutor Pandurang Pol said that EOW probed only those cases where amount involved in the fraud was above Rs 50 lakh. “If it is below Rs 50 lakh,then the local police investigate it,” he said. The bench then asked how long it took for a complaint to be probed. “The case also goes to the legal cell for advice. How many legal advisers do you (EOW) have? How many files are pending there?” the court questioned.

The court directed Deputy Commissioner of Police of EOW to file a reply within two weeks.Speak Asia,a Singapore based online survey company,is alleged to have cheated people of crores of rupees by promising them huge returns in exchange for taking part and investing in its surveys.