The court affirms the importance of continuity in criminal investigations by directing the retention of the Special Investigation Team, thereby safeguarding the integrity of the investigative process.

JUDGMENT Dated this the 9th day of February, 2026 The prayers in this Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India are as follows:-

“1. Issue a writ of mandamus or any other appropriate writ, order or direction, directing the respondents 1 to 3 to consider and pass appropriate orders on Ext.P3 representation dated 06.01.2026, within such time as this Hon’ble Court may deem fit and until then the Investigation officer & members of the SIT mentioned in Ext.P2 shall not be disturbed/ transferred 2. issue appropriate writ to retain the same investigation team.”

2.The petitioner is the victim in Crime No. 841/2025 of Police Station, Chalissery, which is now re-registered as Crime 32/2026 of Ottappalam Police Station for the commission of offences U/s. 137(2), 140(3), 324(5), 351(3), 109, 111, 116(f), 238, 311, 308(6), 140(2), 249 & 3(5) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita , 2023.

3.The investigation of the crime is being conducted by a Special Investigation Team (SIT). The grievance of the petitioner is that the Government have taken a decision to transfer the Investigation Officer and other members of the SIT by way of a general transfer order. The petitioner submitted Ext.P3 application before the State Police Chief requesting to retain the members of the SIT.

4.The learned Public Prosecutor, upon instructions, submitted that, considering the grave nature of the offences involved and the necessity for continuity in the investigation, the District Police Chief had addressed the State Police Chief to explore the possibility of retaining the members of the SIT. Having regard to the recommendation of the District Police Chief, based on the gravity of the offence, this court feels that investigation is to be continued by the SIT. Therefore, the respondents 2 and 3 are directed to retain the members of the SIT to facilitate them in completing the investigation.

The writ petition is allowed as above.

Sd/-