SPP skips Gauri murder hearing, magistrate issues memo

The III Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court issued a memo to Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) Shrishail V Vadavadagi over his absence when the three accused in the murder case of senior journalist Gauri Lankesh were produced before the court on Monday.

Magistrate V Prakash took note of the SPP’s absence in the high-profile case and directed him to appear on the next hearing without fail.

The regular public prosecutor could not argue the case in Vadavadagi’s absence, and hence, additional investigating officer T Rangappa took up the case on behalf of the SPP.

The SIT officials produced Rajesh D Bangera, Amit Baddi and Ganesh Miskin before the court. The three were remanded in judicial custody till August 20.

High drama

High drama prevailed in the court hall when the accused, Miskin and Baddi, told the court that they were assaulted by SIT officials. They alleged that the police made them to stand with their heads bent and hands tied to legs (sitting murga position). The accused complained of body pain. However, there were no external injuries.

Miskin said he could not stand properly because of pain. He also said the doctor did not check him properly during medical examination. At this point, the magistrate told the accused to sit on the bench.

Advocate N P Amrutesh, representing the accused, submitted that the medical examination of the accused were not done properly before they were produced in the court. He further alleged assault on the accused in SIT custody.

The magistrate directed the SIT officials to take Miskin and Baddi to Victoria Hospital, get a detailed medical check-up done and submit a report to the court.

Additional Investigating Officer Rangappa said the two told them they have too much pressure from advocates to act according to their directions. He also produced a medical report and the list of visitors and advocates who met them in custody.

Glass cabin

Magistrate Prakash asked the SIT officials to arrange a system wherein the investigation officer could interrogate the accused in a glass cabin where they were visible to their advocates and relatives, but not heard, as observed in the DK Basu v/s West
Bengal case by the Supreme Court.

The SIT officials did not ask for police custody and all the three accused were sent to judicial custody.

The magistrate directed the officials to submit a detailed report on the day-to-day interrogation to the court.