Bengaluru: The Karnataka High Court on Thursday rejected a petition filed by Ningappa Savant, a dismissed police constable from Chitradurga, who sought to quash an FIR registered by Lokayukta police and halt the subsequent investigation. Savant is accused of using the Lokayukta’s name to extort government officials.
Court observations
Justice SR Krishna Kumar observed that merely being the sole accused at the initial stage of the FIR does not warrant interference with the investigation. “Merely because the petitioner, a non-public servant, is alone shown as accused in the FIR at the very inception and initial stage, it cannot be made the basis to interfere with the impugned FIR and prevent the investigation from being conducted by the respondent Lokayukta police,” the judge said.
The court also addressed Savant’s claim regarding a report dated June 2, 2025, submitted by the police inspector. Savant had argued that the report was a detailed investigation report, rather than a preliminary inquiry. The court disagreed, noting that the inspector had only recorded prima facie findings and recommended that a detailed investigation be conducted through an FIR. “As such, this contention cannot be accepted,” Justice Krishna Kumar stated.
Investigation in early stages
The judge emphasised that the investigation was at an early stage, and preventing the inclusion of additional accused persons, such as BBMP officials, excise officials, Lokayukta police, and other public servants, would amount to interfering with the due process of law. Consequently, the FIR against Savant and others remains valid and under investigation.
The case highlights the vigilance of authorities in addressing allegations of misuse of power and extortion linked to the Lokayukta, Karnataka’s anti-corruption body.