Extortion case: Karnataka HC extends interim stay order of probe against IPS officer and dismissed head constable

Bengaluru: The Karnataka High Court on Monday extended the interim stay order of investigation against IPS officer Shrinath M Joshi and dismissed head constable Ningappa Savant, in connection with the alleged case of extortion using the office of the Lokayukta. Justice SR Krishna Kumar adjourned the hearing till Thursday.

During the hearing, the Lokayukta police requested the court to permit them to proceed with the investigation in the case. It was submitted that certain persons allegedly used the name of the institution and officials to extort government officials. The advocate for the Lokayukta police submitted that the case is affecting the very credibility of the institution and hence, the investigation needs to be allowed to take it to its logical end.

Meanwhile, the counsel for Ningappa Savant submitted that there is no case against the petitioner either under Section 7A or 7(a) of the Prevention of Corruption (PC) Act as he is not a public servant. It was further submitted that the Lokayukta police have no jurisdiction to investigate charges of extortion.

Shrinath Joshi challenged the June 15, 2025 notice issued to him calling upon to appear for questioning. In a separate petition, Ningappa filed a petition challenging the proceedings while his wife moved a petition questioning Ningappa’s arrest. In the previous hearing, the court had granted interim bail to Ningappa.