Description

1. Seizure by Police Officer:

   • Any police officer may seize property that is alleged to have been stolen, or which is found under circumstances raising suspicion of the commission of an offense.

2. Reporting the Seizure:

   • If the police officer is subordinate to the officer in charge of a police station, they must immediately report the seizure to that officer.

3. Reporting to the Magistrate:

   • Every police officer acting under Sub-Section (1) must immediately report the seizure to the Magistrate having jurisdiction over the matter.

4. Custody of Property:

   • If the seized property cannot be conveniently transported to the Court, or if it is difficult to secure proper accommodation for its custody, or if its continued retention in police custody is not deemed necessary for the investigation, the police officer may:
     • Give custody of the property to any person, provided that the person executes a bond agreeing to produce the property before the Court when required and to comply with the Court's orders regarding its disposal.

5. Property Subject to Speedy Decay:

   • If the seized property is subject to speedy natural decay, and the rightful owner is either unknown or absent, and if the value of the property is less than five hundred rupees, the property may be sold by auction under the orders of the Superintendent of Police.
   • The provisions of sections 457 and 458 will apply as much as possible to the net proceeds of the sale.