Karnataka High Court Strikes Down Proclamation Order Against DySP in Bitcoin Scam

The Karnataka High Court has quashed the proclamation order against Deputy Superintendent of Police Shridhar K Pujar in connection with irregularities in the Bitcoin case investigation, citing procedural flaws. The court directed Pujar to join the investigation on May 8, 2024, and cooperate fully, while allowing the prosecution to take him into judicial custody and complete the investigation by 6 pm that day.

Karnataka High Court Quashes Proclamation Order Against DySP in Bitcoin Scam Case

Bengaluru, India - In a significant development, the Karnataka High Court has quashed a proclamation order issued by a trial court against Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) Shridhar K. Pujar in connection with alleged irregularities in the investigation of the Bitcoin scam case.

The order was issued by Justice V. Srishananda after noting procedural irregularities in the proclamation order. The court directed Pujar to positively join the investigation on May 8, 2024, by appearing before the investigating officer at 9 AM.

The petitioner, DySP Pujar, has been accused of irregularities during the investigation into the Bitcoin scam. The prosecution had sought a proclamation against him, but Pujar argued that proper procedural formalities were not followed before its issuance.

Justice Srishananda acknowledged that Pujar's absence from the investigation was undisputed. However, the court noted that attempts by Pujar to obtain anticipatory bail had been denied by both the sessions court and the high court.

The court emphasized that the investigating officer has the authority to take Pujar into judicial custody and complete his custodial interrogation on May 8, 2024, before 6 PM. Pujar was instructed to fully cooperate with the investigating agency.

"The prosecution shall not employ extra-judicial methods during the investigation. Upon conclusion of the custodial interrogation, the petitioner shall be released on bail upon furnishing a bond in the sum of Rs. 2 lakhs with two sureties," the court directed.

Additionally, the court instructed Pujar to appear before the investigating officer as required and refrain from tampering with the prosecution evidence.

The Karnataka High Court's quashing of the proclamation order against DySP Pujar is a major development in the Bitcoin scam case. It highlights the importance of adhering to proper procedural norms in criminal investigations and ensures that individuals are not unduly harassed by the prosecution.

The court's directive for Pujar to positively join the investigation and cooperate fully with the investigating agency demonstrates the judiciary's commitment to ensuring a fair and impartial inquiry into the alleged irregularities. The outcome of the investigation and any subsequent legal proceedings will be closely watched by the public, as the case has significant implications for the integrity of law enforcement in India.