Karnataka High Court pulls up suspended inspector in sexual assault case, refuses interim relief

Bengaluru : The sensational case involving suspended Moodbidri Inspector Sandesh has triggered widespread outrage across Karnataka, after allegations surfaced that he sexually assaulted a teacher over several years. The controversy intensified as the Karnataka High Court came down heavily on the officer while hearing his plea seeking quashing of the case.

The accused, Sandesh, who is currently under suspension, has approached the High Court challenging the fresh FIR registered against him. However, the court refused to grant any interim relief and questioned the conduct of the police officer in strong terms.

“Isn’t this a clear misuse of power? If a police officer develops a relationship with a woman who approaches him with a complaint, what else can be expected?” the court reportedly observed during the hearing, expressing serious concern over the allegations.

The court has also adjourned the matter for further hearing on April 6 and declined to pass any order restraining his arrest in the meantime.

Appearing for the petitioner, the defence counsel argued that the relationship between Sandesh and the complainant was consensual and that there was no substantial evidence to support the rape allegations. “The accusations are baseless and lack any supporting evidence,” the lawyer contended before the bench.

However, the prosecution maintained that the allegations are grave in nature and warrant thorough investigation. The FIR in the case has been registered at Venur Police Station under multiple sections of the law, including provisions related to rape, criminal intimidation, and extortion.

According to the complaint filed by the victim, a teacher, Sandesh allegedly sexually assaulted her repeatedly over a period of five years, from 2018 to 2023. She claimed that the accused visited her home and subjected her to repeated abuse while also threatening her with dire consequences.

“I was forced to remain silent due to fear for my life, as well as threats to my family and reputation,” the complainant stated in her police complaint. She further alleged that the accused exploited his position as a police officer to intimidate and control her.

The case has drawn significant attention, especially as earlier complaints against Sandesh involving allegations of sexual misconduct had already surfaced. Initial police reports in those cases had suggested that the allegations could be motivated, but the fresh complaint from the teacher has intensified scrutiny and given the case a serious turn.

Legal experts note that the High Court’s strong remarks indicate that courts are unlikely to entertain any leniency in cases involving abuse of power by law enforcement officers, especially where allegations involve sexual exploitation and intimidation.

As the investigation progresses, the case is expected to remain under close judicial and public watch, with further developments likely in the coming days.