Is the Taluq Health Officer Implicated in Evidence Destruction in Karnataka's Gang-Rape Case?
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Koppal, Jan 1 (NationPress) A health officer from a taluk hospital has been implicated in an FIR for allegedly destroying evidence related to a gang-rape case in Karnataka's Koppal district, according to police statements released on Thursday.
The police reported that while the suspects in the gang-rape were apprehended shortly after the incident, the involvement of Dr. Shivakumar, the Yalaburga taluk health officer, in possibly shielding the perpetrators emerged during the investigation.
Charges against the health officer fall under Section 238(b) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which addresses the act of deliberately causing evidence of a crime to vanish or supplying false information to protect a criminal from legal consequences.
The police asserted that the health officer's negligence is evident. Materials and evidence collected were signed in the presence of the doctor, yet it is claimed that he facilitated the concealment of 16 pieces of crucial material and DNA evidence gathered during the inquiry.
This action allegedly allowed the accused to escape justice. Despite police requests for evidence and inquiries, the health officer reportedly exhibited a sense of arrogance, as per police reports.
The gang-rape incident occurred on November 17, leading to the arrest of four individuals associated with the case.
The suspects have been identified as Laxmana and Basavaraj from Gajendragadh, along with Mutturaj and Shahikumar from Yalaburga.
As per police accounts, the crime took place in a dilapidated structure near Maddura.
In her report, the victim revealed that she was acquainted with one of the suspects, Laxmana, who owed her Rs 5,000.
He lured her to Kushtagi town under the guise of repaying the debt.
It is alleged that he provided her with a drink containing an intoxicating substance while another suspect joined in, leading to the crime.
The police have registered the case under the appropriate sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.