Which act constitutes destruction of evidence in relation to seized property?

Which act constitutes destruction of evidence in relation to seized property?

• A. Breaking, destroying or removing or causing the same to prevent seizure by a police officer.
• B. Filing an inventory of seized property after arrest.
• C. Returning property to owner even if it is stolen property.
• D. Notifying the owner within 10 days.

Answer: (A)

Destruction of evidence involves taking deliberate actions that prevent law enforcement from seizing or using property as part of an investigation. The act described—breaking, destroying, or removing the seized property to stop a police officer from seizing it—fits this definition exactly because it directly undermines the enforcement process and the integrity of evidence.

Filing an inventory is a routine, legitimate step in handling seized items. Returning property to its owner (even if the property is stolen) and notifying the owner are administrative or procedural actions, not acts aimed at destroying or concealing evidence.