The Karnataka High Court in Bengaluru recently delivered a sharp rebuke to Ullal Police Station Inspector Virupakshayya, expressing severe disapproval over his department's freezing of a private company's bank accounts in what was clearly a civil dispute. A bench led by Justice Shreeshananda has mandated the Mangaluru City Police Commissioner to furnish a detailed report concerning the inspector's conduct, with the next hearing scheduled for October 14.
The controversy stems from a complaint lodged by electrical contractor Sunil Kumar. He alleged that approximately Rs 60.39 lakh remained unpaid for electrical work completed in a commercial building, contrary to their agreement. An FIR was subsequently registered at the Ullal police station based on this complaint.
The company, along with its directors, approached the High Court seeking to quash the FIR. During the proceedings, the company's legal representative highlighted that the initial agreement explicitly stipulated that any disagreements between the company and the contractor should be resolved through judicial channels or arbitration. Despite this, the Ullal police station inspector proceeded to freeze the bank accounts belonging to the company and its directors, an action deemed beyond police jurisdiction.
Inspector Virupakshayya was personally present during the hearing, while the Mangaluru City Police Commissioner participated via video conference. The bench, presided over by Justice Shreeshananda, expressed unambiguous displeasure with the investigating officer's conduct. It sharply questioned the rationale behind the police involvement, demanding, "Why do the police intervene in a civil dispute?" Furthermore, referring to the inspector's 28 years of service, the court issued a severe warning: "If the court suspends you, you will have to roam around the court naked." This direct and harsh criticism highlighted the court's serious view of police overreach in matters designated for civil resolution. The Mangaluru Police Commissioner is now tasked with investigating the incident and submitting a comprehensive report before the adjourned date of October 14.
Image: varthabharati.in
đź“° Source: Vartha Bharati DK