Bengaluru: A case involving the alleged use of forged Supreme Court documents to secure the release of a life convict nearly eight years ago has come under investigation at Parappana Agrahara Central Prison. Prison authorities have now registered a case against the convict and others suspected of involvement in the alleged fabrication and use of fake court documents.
Convict was serving sentence in kidnapping case
According to prison authorities, Shankar A had been convicted in a 2001 kidnapping-for-ransom case.
Court records reportedly show that he was awarded two life sentences under Sections 364A of the Indian Penal Code (kidnapping for ransom) and 120B (criminal conspiracy). The sentences were ordered to run concurrently.
In addition to imprisonment, the convict had also been directed to pay fines of ₹5,000 under each section, taking the total fine amount to ₹10,000.
Authorities stated that the convict was serving his sentence at Parappana Agrahara Central Prison before his release.
Release reportedly based on alleged court order
According to the fresh FIR, prison authorities had received a letter dated December 3, 2018, which was then believed to be an official communication from the Supreme Court related to a criminal appeal.
Based on the purported order, the convict reportedly paid the fine amount and was released from prison on November 13, 2018.
Officials said the order was accepted as genuine at that time and the release process was carried out accordingly.
However, concerns reportedly emerged years later alleging that the release may have been obtained through forged documents.
Internal inquiry initiated by prison department
Following the allegations, the Director General of Prisons and Correctional Services in Karnataka reportedly ordered an internal inquiry into the matter.
Officials stated that relevant records relating to the release were handed over to the Deputy Inspector General of Prisons, Southern Range, Bengaluru, for detailed examination and verification.
As part of the inquiry, authorities reviewed documentation and communication associated with the release process.
The investigation sought to determine whether procedures had been manipulated and whether forged records had been used.
Supreme Court reportedly confirms order was fake
During the inquiry, prison officials contacted the Assistant Registrar of the Supreme Court to verify the authenticity of the order.
According to prison authorities, the court subsequently informed them that the document dated November 3, 2018, was not genuine.
Officials stated that the alleged communication from the Supreme Court had been identified as fake and prison authorities were directed to take legal action.
Authorities have also alleged that multiple individuals could have assisted the convict in preparing and submitting forged documents.
Efforts underway to trace accused
Prison officials said efforts are now underway to locate and arrest Shankar again and initiate legal proceedings against all those allegedly involved in the matter.
Investigators are expected to examine the origin of the alleged forged documents and identify individuals connected with the suspected conspiracy.
The case has raised questions regarding document verification procedures and prison administration processes, with authorities expected to continue the investigation to establish the full sequence of events.