Udupi video case: Delay in investigation as forensic report remains pending

Team Udayavani, Dec 12, 2023, 9:55 AM IST

Image for representation(PTI)

Even six months after the controversial video incident at Netrajyoti Para Medical College in Udupi, the police have not yet received the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) report, hindering the progress of the investigation. The mobile retrieval process is also still pending.

The incident, which took place on July 18th, only came to light on the 22nd. Following protests by the ABVP organization, the college’s director, Ramakrishna Prasad, addressed the issue in a press conference. He revealed that a preliminary investigation was immediately conducted, leading to the confession of three students involved. The students voluntarily handed over their mobile phones, and subsequent actions, including suspensions, were taken promptly.

Despite the college’s resolution of the matter as a case of misguided fun, a tweet by a Hindu activist brought widespread attention to the incident. Subsequently, a suo moto case was registered at the Malpe police station.

Inspector Manjunath Gowda, initially assigned as the investigating officer, faced opposition from the ABVP and BJP, resulting in his replacement on July 29 by Belliyappa.

Actress Khushboo Sunder from the National Commission for Women visited the college on July 27th for a thorough inquiry. On the 31st, Additional Director General of Police, Law and Order Department, R. Hitendra, gathered comprehensive information about the incident.

Handing over the investigation to the CID, the state government issued an order on August 8th. A CID team, led by DySP Anjumali Naik, arrived in Udupi on the 9th. CID SP Raghavendra Hegde, along with DySP Naik, visited the college, to collect information. A Mobile Forensic Science Laboratory from Bengaluru arrived on the 10th to gather evidence.

CID ADGP Manish Kabirkar visited on the same day, emphasizing the awaited FSL report’s importance in the investigation.

DySP Anjumala Naik acknowledged the ongoing investigation and stated that they are waiting for the FSL report and detailed information would be provided soon.