The delay in acting against Red Bull heir Vorayudh Yoovidhaya in a 2012 hit-and-run case is being examined by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), which suspects a senior policeman might have been behind the alleged irregularity.

The slow progress of the case earlier resulted in the one-year statute of limitations for a speeding charge related to the case expire, letting Mr Vorayudh off the hook on one of the three charges he faced after crashing his 32-million-baht Ferrari into a motorcycle ridden by a Thong Lor police officer early on Sept 3, 2012.

The police officer died in the incident.

For the two other charges -- reckless driving causing death and failing to stop his car to help a victim, which have statutes of limitations of 15 years and five years respectively -- Mr Vorayudh failed to meet public prosecutors, leaving authorities unable to bring the case to court.

The NACC received allegations of police playing a role in the expiry of the statute of limitations for the speeding charge, according to NACC sources.

Among the officers, Pol Maj Gen Krit Piakaeo, former chief of Metropolitan Police Division 5, which oversees the Thong Lor area, is accused of malfeasance concerning the case. Pol Maj Gen Krit has since retired from police service.

As a result, the NACC has sent a letter to the city police chief Sanit Mahathavorn asking him to send "relevant officers" to meet the agency on Oct 3 for questioning, along with relevant documents regarding the case.

Deputy national police spokesman Pol Maj Gen Piyapan Pingmuang said the Royal Thai Police office has acknowledged the request and the investigation of Pol Maj Gen Krit being conducted by the NACC.

National police chief Pol Gen Chakthip Chaijinda has ordered the police legal division to conduct a probe into the allegation, said Pol Maj Gen Piyapan.

However, the deputy spokesman insisted the police have clear regulations and procedures to examine whether the case was intentionally ignored until the statute of limitations expired.

"We are committed to dealing with him according to regulations, even though he has retired," said Pol Maj Gen Piyapan.

Source:
courtesy of BANGKOK POST

by BANGKOK POST

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