Powers of Collector to investigate offences.

(1) The Collector may, without the order of a Magistrate, investigate any offence punishable under this Regulation which a Court having jurisdiction over the local area within the limits of the Collector's jurisdiction would have power to try. (2) The Collector may, after recording in writing his reason for suspecting the commission of an offence which he is empowered to investigate, exercise any of the powers conferred upon a Police Officer making an investigation, or upon an officer in charge of a police-station by sections 160 to 171 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898. (3) The Collector may, without reference to a Magistrate and for reasons to be recorded by him in writing, stop further proceedings against any person concerned, or supposed to be concerned in any offence which he has investigated. (4) As soon as an investigation by the Collector has been completed, if it appears to him that there is sufficient evidence to justify the forwarding of the accused to a Magistrate, the Collector shall submit a report to the Magistrate. (5) The powers conferred on the Collector by this section may, subject to the control of the Collector, be exercised by an Excise-officer, duly empowered by the Chief Commissioner in this behalf.