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Supreme Court Orders Fresh Probe in 2012 Dharmasthala Rape-Murder Case After Acquittal
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Moneycontrol•22-09-2026, 16:51
Supreme Court Orders Fresh Probe in 2012 Dharmasthala Rape-Murder Case After Acquittal
- •The Supreme Court mandated a de novo investigation into the 2012 Dharmasthala rape and murder case, citing serious deficiencies in previous probes by Belthangady Police, Karnataka CID, and CBI.
- •A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been ordered to conduct the fresh probe, setting aside the Karnataka High Court's August 30, 2024 order.
- •The victim's mother appealed the case after her husband's death, highlighting concerns about the initial investigations and the acquittal of Santhosh Rao.
- •The Sessions Court had acquitted Santhosh Rao due to lack of evidence and significant investigative failures, including improper preservation of DNA evidence and unexamined crucial leads.
- •The Supreme Court rejected arguments that time rendered a fresh investigation useless, noting that new evidence and witnesses could still be examined, and ordered the SIT to complete its probe within three months.
Key Questions Answered
The Supreme Court ordered a de novo investigation after finding serious deficiencies and lapses in the initial probes conducted by the Belthangady Police, Karnataka CID, and CBI, noting that the original investigation shocked the conscience of the court.
The Supreme Court directed Karnataka to form an SIT headed by a senior state police officer, excluding any officers who participated in the previous investigations. The team has been given three months to complete the investigation and submit its report.
No, Santhosh Rao cannot be prosecuted again in this case because his previous acquittal by the Sessions Court is protected under Article 20(2) of the Constitution and Section 300 of the CrPC.
