Investigative findings and defence evidence may create reasonable doubt

The investigating officer’s evidence was considered. He stated that the witnesses had not cooperated with investigation. The initial report did not include the appellant as an accused. The officer testified that he had found him innocent at that stage. The Court considered this evidence with the prosecution case. The initial investigative position was relevant to the overall assessment. It reinforced the absence of dependable incriminating circumstances. The conviction could not stand on the remaining vague allegation. Jaswinder Singh @ Shinder Singh v. State of Punjab | 2026 INSC 23