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Man accused of tampering forensic report in murder case gets bail from Karnataka High Court
In a significant order, the on Wednesday granted bail to Kumar, an accused in a murder conspiracy case involving tampering with a forensic report to mask evidence.
Justice Venkatesh Naik T, presiding over a single bench, allowed the bail petition filed under (corresponding to ). The court noted that the primary allegations rested on the first two accused, and the role attributed to the petitioner was a matter for trial.
The Alleged Conspiracy
The case stems from the death of Sandeep K. Manjaragi, a retired army personnel. According to the prosecution, his wife (accused No.1) hatched a plan to eliminate him to claim insurance proceeds. She allegedly took the help of accused No.2, with whom she had an extra-marital affair. The duo reportedly administered a poisonous substance through a saline drip while the deceased was hospitalized.
As part of the cover-up, the prosecution alleged that Kumar, who was accused No.10, tampered with the forensic report from the government scientific agency to suppress evidence regarding the presence of poison in the viscera.
Arguments Before the Court
Appearing for the petitioner, Senior Counsel argued that Kumar was innocent and had been falsely implicated. He submitted that the investigation was complete, a had been filed, and there was no need for further . The counsel emphasized that the petitioner was a permanent resident willing to abide by any conditions.
Opposing the plea, the learned HCGP argued that there was material against the petitioner and that releasing him on bail could lead to tampering with witnesses and hampering the investigation.
Court's Observations and Legal Analysis
The High Court observed that the main allegations related to acts of accused Nos.1 and 2 in administering poison to the deceased. The only role attributed to accused No.10 was his alleged involvement in issuing a tampered report from the government scientific agency to screen the crime evidence.
"Whether petitioner/accused No.10 assisted in tempering with the report issued by the government scientific agency is a matter of trial and the same has to be established during the course of the evidence,"
Justice Naik T noted.
The court further highlighted that the petitioner was a permanent resident of the address mentioned in the petition and had expressed readiness to abide by any conditions imposed.
Bail Granted with Conditions
Allowing the petition, the court ordered Kumar's release on bail upon executing a of ₹2,00,000 with two of the same amount to the satisfaction of the trial court. The court imposed the following conditions:
- The petitioner shall not threaten or tamper with prosecution witnesses, either directly or indirectly.
- He shall attend the trial court regularly as required.
- He shall not commit similar or any other offences.
The court clarified that violation of any of these conditions would entitle the prosecution to seek cancellation of bail.
The case is now pending before the .
