his associates. It is his right to see and ensure that the police investigation is in right direction and there is no tampering with the available evidence, such as testimony of the witnesses and the medical evidence to be tendered by the doctor. He has also a right to insist that eyewitnesses of the incident are given adequate protection, so that they are able to appear in court and give evidence fearlessly without intimidation, allurement or harassment. The victim’s rights are required to be zealously guarded equally with the rights of defence of the accused. Police as the first group of people to get in contact with victims of crime have a critical role to play. Needless to add, their behaviour may determine if victims feel protected and respected, or if they feel re-victimised and neglected. Apart from the rights of victims, negative treatment can also affect public perceptions of the police and impact on community relations. Needless to say, victims can also play an important role in solving the crime and apprehending the perpetrators, and should be treated with respect and care as victims and witnesses. Imparting proper training on how to deal with victims of crime to the police force, with a perspective that they understand their basic role and responsibilities towards victims would indeed go a long way in bringing about a much required change. VIII. The Rights of the Suspects The accused in India are afforded certain rights, the most basic of which are found in the Indian Constitution. A person who is suspected or accused of a crime enjoys several constitutional and legal protections. These are contained in Chapter III of our Constitution and several other legislative enactments including the Code of Criminal Procedure. A. The Law Says In Chapter III of the Constitution which deals with fundamental rights, Article 21 provides that no person shall be deprived of his personal liberty except according to procedure established by law and Art 22 says that such person shall be informed of the reason for his arrest. It further provides that any person held in custody or detained shall be brought before the Judge of the nearest competent Court and shall not be further held in custody except upon and in terms of the order of such Judge. A person 56 Manual on Human Rights for Police Officers