GS4 · UPSC Mains

Rahul belongs to a wealthy and influential business family. On his 17th birthday, he threw a party for his friends at a famous club in the city. The celebration continued late into the night, where everyone enjoyed themselves. After the party, Rahul bid goodbye to his friends and decided to drive home. He was driving his high-end SUV and, while speeding for fun, he lost control of the car while negotiating a sharp turn. The car collided with a bike coming from the opposite direction. The two occupants of the bike died on the spot, while Rahul escaped with minor bruises on his face and knees. The police arrived at the scene, detained Rahul, and took him to the hospital for a preliminary medical check-up. The families of the deceased were informed, and the bodies were sent for autopsy. After the initial legal formalities, Rahul was presented before the Juvenile Justice Board. The Board granted him bail on lenient terms that included writing a 300-word essay on road safety. This decision sparked outrage, but the situation escalated when a video of Rahul and his friends consuming alcohol in the club emerged and went viral on social media. As the case became the talk of the city, an investigative report by a leading daily unveiled further shocking details. The report revealed that Rahul's father had attempted to mislead the police by falsely claiming that the family driver was at the wheel during the accident. Initial actions by the police suggested preferential treatment towards Rahul, including delays in filing the FIR and later registering it under lenient provisions of the law. The investigative report also highlighted the involvement of medical staff in manipulating and tampering with evidence in exchange for inducements from Rahul's father. Rahul's blood samples were replaced with those of another person which had no traces of alcohol. Furthermore, the local MLA, who is the brother of State Home Minister and close to Rahul's family, reportedly intervened to influence police and judicial proceedings in favor of the juvenile. The city is gripped by a sense of injustice as details of corruption, collusion, and manipulation unfold, revealing the lengths to which those in power can conspire and make a mockery of laws, institutions, and principles of justice. You are the SP of the district where the entire incident occurred. Prima facie, the facts highlighted in the newspaper's investigative report appear to be correct. However, due to the involvement of the local MLA and the political connections of Rahul's father, you are facing pressure from higher authorities to manipulate the investigation and acquit Rahul. Additionally, the MLA has promised a 'plum posting' if you hush up the matter, and your promotion is also due soon. Meanwhile, the families of the victims, along with the public, are demanding accountability and justice. a) As the SP of the district, examine the options available to you. What course of action would you take and why? b) How might the actions of Rahul's father influence his perception of personal responsibility and societal obligations?

20 marks · 250 words · 4 toppers answered this · seen 2024, 2025

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