A court in Belthangady has issued a directive to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the high-profile Dharmasthala case, instructing it to submit its final investigation report. This development marks a critical juncture in the ongoing legal proceedings that have captured significant attention in Karnataka.
Court's Directive and Timeline
The judicial magistrate's court in Belthangady has formally asked the SIT to present its conclusive findings. According to the established legal procedure, the investigating agency was originally required to file its report within a period of 90 days from the date of the arrest of the complainant witness. This timeline is a standard provision aimed at ensuring expeditious investigations.
The case involves the complainant witness, Chinnaiah C N, who was placed in judicial custody during the course of the probe. While he remained in custody, the SIT took a significant step by submitting a voluminous interim report to the court.
The Interim SIT Report and Legal Framework
On November 20, the Special Investigation Team presented an extensive interim document to the court. This report, spanning a staggering 3,900 pages, was filed under the provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), specifically Section 215. The BNSS is the new criminal procedure code that has replaced the erstwhile Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).
The submission of such a detailed interim report indicates the complexity and scale of the investigation undertaken by the SIT. It typically contains collected evidence, witness statements, forensic analysis, and the investigative findings up to that point.
Next Steps and Implications
The court's latest order for a final report shifts the focus to the culmination of the SIT's investigation. The final report will be crucial as it is expected to contain the SIT's definitive conclusions, including whether the evidence substantiates the filing of a chargesheet against the accused or recommends closure.
This directive puts the onus on the Special Investigation Team to consolidate its findings and present a final, actionable document to the judiciary. The outcome will determine the future legal course of the Dharmasthala case, which is being closely monitored across legal and political circles in the state.
The proceedings underscore the functioning of the new legal framework under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and highlight the ongoing efforts to address the case through a dedicated SIT probe. All eyes are now on the SIT to comply with the court's order and submit its final report, paving the way for the next phase of justice delivery.
