\In a scathing rebuke to the state government, the Karnataka High Court has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the lack of action in the case surrounding the tragic suicide of lawyer and entrepreneur S Jeeva, who allegedly took her life due to harassment by CCB DySP Kanakalakshmi in connection with the Bhovi development corporation Scam. The bench, led by Justice Nagaprasanna, heard a petition on November 27, filed by the Bangalore Bar Association, demanding that the investigation be transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
The Court slammed the government and the police department for their failure to arrest or even question the accused, despite Jeeva’s 13-page death note accusing DySP Kanakalakshmi of harassment. “The deceased has left behind a detailed death note, yet the accused has not been questioned or arrested. Is this delay because the accused is a DySP?” the Court queried. The questioning from the bench underscored the serious concerns about the state’s commitment to addressing this issue impartially.
In response, the government’s lawyer, Jagadish, informed the Court that the investigation had been transferred to the Central Crime Branch (CCB), but this explanation failed to alleviate the bench. The Court clarified that if the state government did not take swift and concrete action, it would consider transferring the case to the CBI for a more transparent and independent investigation.
Jeeva, a lawyer and businesswoman, was investigated by the CID for her alleged involvement in the Bhovi Corporation scam involving illegal financial transactions amounting to Rs 34 crore. In her death note, Jeeva specifically accused DySP Kanakalakshmi of torturing and harassing her during interrogation. According to the note, Jeeva was coerced and humiliated during questioning. Despite these serious allegations, no arrests have been made, and the investigation seems to have stalled.
The Bhovi Corporation scam involves the illegal transfer of large sums of money, including Rs 7.16 crore to Jeeva’s company, Annika Enterprises, and Rs 3.79 crore to her sister’s company, Harnita Creations. The remaining funds were transferred to partnerships linked to former MDs of the corporation. These financial irregularities have already led to an internal investigation ordered by the Home Department.
However, the defence for DySP Kanakalakshmi has denied the allegations, with the lawyer arguing that no harassment was involved in Jeeva’s interrogation and that the investigation should be allowed to run its course. The defence further denied any involvement of Kanakalakshmi in the alleged corruption associated with the Bhovi scam.
The High Court, after hearing the arguments from both sides, has reserved its order on the matter and will deliver its verdict on November 29. This marks a crucial moment in the case, as the Court’s decision could determine the direction of the investigation and whether the case will be handed over to the CBI.
The failure to arrest or question the accused in such a high-profile case, coupled with the severe allegations of abuse of power and corruption, has raised widespread concern about the influence of powerful officials within the state government. Public outcry is growing, with many calling for accountability and transparency in the investigation. As the case unfolds, all eyes will be on the High Court’s next move, which could hold the key to ensuring justice for Jeeva and uncovering the truth behind the Bhovi Nigama scam.
The Court expressed its displeasure at the perceived inadequacies in the investigation and has reserved its verdict on whether the case should be handed over to the CBI. The delay in addressing these critical issues has fueled further concerns about the state government’s involvement and the potential cover-up of corruption within its ranks.
Bar association urged to arrest Kanakalakshmi
In the wake of these developments, the State Bar Association President, Vivek Subbareddy, has called for a thorough and independent investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). He has demanded that Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) Kanakalakshmi, who is accused of allegedly instigating Jeeva’s suicide, be arrested immediately.
The Bar Association filed a petition with the High Court to hand over the investigation into Jeeva’s suicide to the CBI, arguing that the local police were not capable of conducting a fair investigation, given the involvement of high-ranking officials. In response to the petition, the Commissioner of Police transferred the case to the Central Crime Branch (CCB). However, according to Subbareddy, the CCB has shown no signs of active investigation, prompting fears that it is stalling in fear of taking action against influential individuals in the state government.
Subbareddy, in a statement to the press, expressed his scepticism about the effectiveness of the investigation. “The CCB is silent, not taking action. They are afraid to pursue this case because of the involvement of high-level officials,” he said, casting doubt on the prospects of justice. The Bar Association’s president reiterated their demand for the CBI to take over the investigation, not just into Jeeva’s suicide, but also into the broader Bovi Corporation scam, which allegedly involves high-ranking state government officials.
The case turned dark when details emerged regarding Jeeva’s interrogation concerning the Bovi Corporation fraud. It is alleged that DySP Kanakalakshmi, who was in charge of the investigation, subjected Jeeva to extreme mental and physical torture during questioning. Sources close to the investigation claim that Jeeva was tortured, and the pain he endured led him to take his own life. Shockingly, Jeeva’s final letter, a 13-page death note, reportedly identifies Kanakalakshmi as the primary cause of his suffering. In the note, Jeeva accused the DySP of torture, harassment, and illegal demands, further compounding the serious allegations against her.
Jeeva’s sister, Sangeeta, corroborated these claims, revealing the horrific nature of the abuse. “Kanakalakshmi madam used to call us every day and torture us until evening. She would never inquire about the case; instead, she would pry into our personal lives, asking questions like ‘How do you live without your parents?’ She also demanded a bribe of Rs 25 lakh from us,” Sangeeta said, describing the immense mental and emotional toll that the interrogation had on her brother.
Kanakalakshmi is also no stranger to controversy. She has previously faced allegations of assault while posted in Tumkur, which raises further questions about her conduct and professionalism in handling sensitive cases. Despite the gravity of these accusations, no significant action has been taken against her by the state government, prompting calls for her immediate arrest.
The suicide of Jeeva, coupled with the serious allegations against state officials, has raised alarm bells about the extent of corruption and abuse of power within the state’s law enforcement agencies. The Bar Association and various activist groups are demanding swift action to ensure that justice is served and the individuals responsible for Jeeva’s death are held accountable.
With growing public outcry and pressure mounting on the government, the coming days will be crucial in determining whether the state authorities will allow a transparent and fair investigation or continue to protect those involved in the scandal.
