Mangaluru – Former Supreme Court Judge Justice V Gopala Gowda has raised serious concerns about the investigation into the alleged serial rape and murder case in Dharmasthala, warning that leaking a witness’s statement endangers their safety and undermines the credibility of the inquiry.
Speaking to the media on Monday, Justice Gowda questioned the conduct of the police, stating that such breaches raise suspicions about the integrity of the officers handling the case.
He urged the Karnataka government to arrest all those allegedly involved and subject them to custodial interrogation. Highlighting the investigation’s sluggish pace, he called for the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by an ADGP-ranked officer and overseen by either a sitting or retired judge of the Supreme Court or Karnataka High Court.
“We are disturbed by the inaction despite a witness stepping forward with a confessional statement. Why has there been no movement on the names mentioned? What is stopping progress?” he asked.
Justice Gowda stressed that the eyewitness must be given immediate police protection, emphasizing the importance of the statement already provided — a valid and weighty piece of legal evidence.
Suggesting possible involvement of powerful figures, he noted that if this were an ordinary murder case, arrests and interrogations would have already taken place. The three-week delay, he said, hints at interference by vested interests.
Supporting advocates demanded swift action, including SIT formation, forensic team deployment, and mandatory video recording to ensure investigation transparency.