Karnataka Forms SIT for Fresh Probe into 2012 Rape-Murder Near Dharmasthala
The case was originally registered at Belthangady police station in Dakshina Kannada under Sections 376 and 302 of the Indian Penal Code.
Mangaluru: The Karnataka government on Thursday constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to conduct a fresh investigation into the 2012 rape and murder of a 17-year-old college student near Dharmasthala, following directions issued by the Supreme Court.
The five-member team will be headed by Inspector General of Police N Shashikumar, who is currently awaiting posting. Mangaluru City Police Commissioner CH Sudheer Kumar Reddy, State Intelligence Superintendent of Police Nisha James, CID Superintendent of Police Lokesh Jagalsar and Bengaluru Rural Additional Superintendent of Police Venkatesh Prasanna are the other members.
The case was originally registered at Belthangady police station in Dakshina Kannada under Sections 376 and 302 of the Indian Penal Code. The CBI, ACB, Chennai, later re-registered the case on March 7, 2014.
The government stated the SIT has been designated as a police station under the relevant provision of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, for matters within Karnataka's jurisdiction. Its investigating officers have also been authorised to submit a report before the competent court under Section 193 of the BNSS.
The SIT will function under the supervision of the Director General and Inspector General of Police, Karnataka. It has been directed to strictly comply with the directions contained in the Supreme Court judgment in Special Leave Petition (Criminal) No. 5763 of 2026.
The DG-IGP has been asked to provide the team with additional officers, staff and other resources required for the investigation.
The SIT has been directed to complete the investigation and submit its final report to the competent court within three months. The DGP and IGP will submit a report to the government after completion of the investigation.