Patna: At least half a dozen police officers in Patna are in the line of fire in connection with the arrest of the 14-year-old vegetable seller who was illegally detained, thrashed and sent to jail for his alleged refusal to give jackfruits to personnel for free in March this year.

Inspector-general (Patna zone) Nayyar Hasnain Khan, who was assigned to conduct a detailed investigation into the matter within 48 hours, has completed the probe and is likely to submit the report to the police headquarters on Monday. Last Thursday, chief minister Nitish Kumar had ordered a probe into the case.

Sources said Khan found lapses in the investigation on the part of the police officers posted at Bypass and Agamkuan police stations. Besides, he was stunned to find that the chargesheet was submitted in the court without the supervision of the case.

The investigating officers showed keen interest in filing the chargesheet rather than collecting evidence to verify the involvement of the minor boy in the motorcycle theft incident. They also declared him above 18 years of age, produced him in the court and sent him to Beur Central Jail.

The boy was taken on police remand in two other cases related to motorcycle theft despite the fact that he didn't have any criminal antecedent.

Though Khan couldn't be contacted, reliable sources said stern disciplinary action would be taken against the erring cops right from the police station to an SP-rank officer. The IG got infuriated over the manner serious reported cases were investigated in Patna.

A police officer said: "I have not seen such blatant (mis) use of official position and poor quality of investigation which is merely based on statements and apprehensions."

Earlier, the IG had recorded the statement of the victim's father, mother, sister and a few residents. The statements of the policemen concerned were also recorded.