Gauri case: Police told to ensure suspects' good health

The Karnataka high court on Tuesday directed the police to ensure the good health of the suspects in the Gauri Lankesh murder case. The suspects have accused the SIT of physical and mental harassment. The court observed that this was violation of basic human rights.

Justice K N Phaneendra was hearing a petition filed by Sujith Kumar, a resident of Shivamogga, and three others accused in the case.
The court issued emergent notices to all respondents, including the state government, the DGP and the police department. The petitioners have moved the court, seeking directions to the Rajarajeshwari Nagar police against arresting them in connection with the sensational murder case.

They have also sought for directions to conduct a special inquiry with regard to the torture, illegal custody and third-degree treatment meted out by the Cottonpet police to the petitioners, and to submit a report to the high court. The petitioners have contended that following the murder, the petitioners were taken into illegal custody and were not allowed to communicate with their family members.

As an interim prayer, the petitioner sought directions from the court to the DGP to constitute a special investigation team that will look into this matter and produce the petitioners before medical officers for a detailed and thorough examination.

The petitioners have also sought for directions to the judicial magistrate to record the statement of the petitioners through in-camera proceedings (in the chambers) and to videograph the entire proceedings in the interest of justice.