Bengaluru: The four accused arrested in Gauri Lankesh murder case - Sujith Kumar, Manohar Edave, Amol Kale and Amit Ramchandra Degvekar, have approached High Court alleging 'third degree’ treatment by the police, and sought inquiry by State Home Department.
Following their plea, the High Court has ordered issue of notice to Principal Secretary to Home Department, State Police Chief, Station heads of Rajarajeshwari Nagar police station and others.
The court also directed the authorities concerned to ensure the health of the four accused and provide proper medical assistance to them once in three days. The authorities were also told to submit the status of the case to the court and adjourned the matter to June 18.
The petition also stated that K.T. Naveen Kumar, who was arrested by the Upparapet police and once the custody got over, he was handed over to Rajarajeshwari Nagar police in connection with Gauri Lankesh murder case. The petitioner alleged that the accused has been kept in illegal detention and is not allowed to communicate with his family members and his lawyers for legal assistance.
Further, the accused are being ill treated with third degree treatment, the petition stated.
Also, the petitioner have urged the court seeking directions to the lower court that no police remand be granted to SIT/police from Rajarajeshwari Nagar Police.
While seeking direction for a special inquiry into the third degree treatment by the police, the accused have sought Rs 25 lakh as compensation, along directions to foot their medical expenses.
In addition, the petitioners have urged the court to record their statements under in-camera proceedings and entire proceedings be videographed.
