The Social and Cultural Committee’s recommendation for a new clause in the Police Amendment Bill 2021 was rejected by the National Assembly today. The committee recommended adding a clause that disallows investigators to interrogate a witness in the presence of the suspect even with consent. Most of the members said that existing clauses will suffice to protect witnesses and victims.
During the Third Reading of the Police Amendment Bill 2021, the Social and Cultural Committee recommended an additional clause in the Section for Test Identification Parade, “based on circumstances and consent of a witness, a witness to a crime shall not be interrogated in the presence of the suspect.” Test Identification Parade is conducted by the investigation officers in the course of the investigation of the offence, for the witness or victim to identify the person involved in the offence.
According to the members of the House, the safety and security of the witness are not protected when police interrogate the witness in front of the suspect.
“Experts are sharing that if the witness is interrogated in front of the suspect, the witness cannot express all his thoughts clearly. And another important reason is that the suspect becomes vindictive to the witness,” said Opposition Leader Dorji Wangdi.
“In a civil case, there are not many issues as the witness can give a statement. However, when it comes to criminal cases, we cannot predict what will happen to the witness as there might be people who are bold and brave enough to kill and beat the witness. So, it is important to protect the witness,” added Kinley Wangchuk, the Athang-Thedtsho MP.
However, many members of the parliament felt that existing clauses will suffice.
One of the clauses of the section states that “For the security of the witness or victim, the suspect should not see the witness or victim during the Test Identification Parade”.
“The clause states that the police cannot investigate the crime in presence of the suspect and witness together. However, there will be a situation where both the parties have to be present. Even in science, a health worker is not allowed to share about the diseases with others, except to the patient. However, in some cases, they have to share in presence of others as well. So, I hope in terms of law also, there will be the same case for the convenience of all,” said Dr Lotay Tshering, the Prime Minister.
“When it comes to the investigation and analysis, experts are there with the RBP. Therefore, if we leave it up to the RBP, they know how to deal according to the situation. It will be convenient for them,” added Finance Minister Namgay Tshering.
Meanwhile, the house decided to treat Royal Bhutan Police the same as the Royal Bhutan Army and Royal Body Guard in terms of rank structure, appointment and promotion, and salary and other monetary benefits.
Sonam Tenzin/Sangay Chezom
Edited by Sonam
