SC Orders CBI Probe Into The Mysterious Death Of Karnataka Cop M.K. Ganapathy [Read Order]

The Supreme Court, on Tuesday, ordered the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to look into the death of Mr. M.K. Ganapathy, a Deputy Superintendent of Karnataka Police, and complete its investigation, as far as possible, within three months.

“Having considered the entirety of the material before this Court but without expressing any opinion on merits, we direct that investigation be handed over to the CBI. The CBI may complete the investigation, as far as possible, within three months from the date of receipt of a copy of the order. The investigation may be supervised by an officer of an appropriate rank, having regard to the nature of the present case. It will be open to the CBI to conduct investigation afresh or in continuation of the investigation already conducted. It will be open to the CBI to ascertain the nature of offence, if any, committed and by whom,” the Bench comprising Justice A.K. Goel and Justice U.U. Lalit observed.

Mr. Ganapathy had died at Madikeri in Karnataka under mysterious circumstances on 7 July last year. The Court was now hearing a Petition filed by the deceased police officer’s father, Mr. M.K. Kushalappa, who had challenged the order of the Karnataka High Court which had rejected his plea for a CBI investigation.

Mr. Kushalappa had alleged that his son was subjected to harassment by a former Home Minister and two senior I.P.S. Officers. The Court was informed that the deceased had given a television interview, exposing the officials involved. However, he was found dead under suspicious circumstances before the interview could be broadcasted. Mr. Kushalappa had, therefore, alleged that there was “foul play” in the incident.

The State, on the other hand, had opposed the Appeal, contending that the investigation that had been conducted was fair and that there existed no exceptional reason for a CBI probe.

The Court, however, ruled in favor of the Appellants, noting that even though directions for CBI investigation are not to be ordered just for the asking, “fairness to the accused and to the victim has to be carefully weighed”.