Police in Karnataka have registered a case against a government hospital doctor for allegedly destroying crucial forensic evidence, including DNA samples, in a shocking gang rape investigation involving a woman home guard. The incident has raised serious questions about obstruction of justice and collusion with the accused.
Doctor Accused of Tampering with 16 Evidence Items
The accused, identified as Dr Shivakumar V, a medical officer at a government hospital in Koppal district, was booked by the police on December 26. According to the authorities, the doctor was legally required to collect and preserve medical evidence for the investigation into the alleged gang rape of a 39-year-old woman home guard.
The crime occurred on November 17, when four men allegedly spiked the woman's juice and gang-raped her. She was subsequently admitted to the district hospital where Dr Shivakumar was the physician on duty. The police had earlier arrested four individuals in connection with the crime: Lakshman Kenchappa Karaguli, Basavaraj Sakreppa, Bhimappa Maski, and Shashikumar Maski.
Investigators stated that the doctor was supposed to safeguard a total of 16 items of evidence, which are vital for forensic laboratory analysis. However, he allegedly destroyed these materials, severely hampering the case.
"Hand in Glove" with Accused and Threatening Remarks
A senior police officer involved in the probe stated that it appeared Dr Shivakumar was "hand in glove" with the accused men. The officer further revealed that during the evidence collection process, the doctor made inappropriate and threatening remarks. He allegedly boasted that he could manipulate or alter the evidence as he wished, displaying a blatant disregard for the judicial process.
The destruction of evidence came to light when investigators attempted to retrieve the preserved samples for scientific examination. They discovered that the crucial materials had been allegedly destroyed by the doctor.
Legal Action and Ongoing Investigation
The police obtained necessary court permission on December 10 to file the case against the doctor. The registration was slightly delayed as it required judicial approval for the non-bailable offence. Dr Shivakumar has been booked under Section 238 (b) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). This section pertains to knowingly causing evidence of an offence to disappear or giving false information to shield an offender from legal punishment.
"We have issued a notice to Dr Shivakumar to appear before the police for questioning, and the probe will continue," a police officer confirmed. The case underscores a grave breach of medical and ethical duty, where a trusted professional allegedly acted to sabotage a serious criminal investigation.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community and highlights the challenges in ensuring the integrity of evidence in sensitive criminal cases, especially those involving sexual violence.
