- 1 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010484352026 NC: 2026:KHC:47588 CRL.P No. 10548 of 2026 IN THE HIGH COURT OF KARNATAKA AT BENGALURU DATED THIS THE 1ST DAY OF SEPTEMBER, 2026 BEFORE THE HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE M.NAGAPRASANNA CRIMINAL PETITION NO. 10548 OF 2026 BETWEEN: B. M. MOHAMMAD MUSTHAFA S/O B MOIDIN, AGED ABOUT 36 YEARS, R/AT-3/44-1, KEMRAL PANCHAYAT, DAKSHINA KANNADA, KARNATAKA-574146. …PETITIONER (BY SRI. MAHAMMAD ANWAR, ADVOCATE) AND: 1. THE STATE OF KARNATAKA, BY SHIRVA POLICE STATION, REPRESENTED BY SPP, HIGH COURT BUILDING, BENGALURU-01. 2. AMEER HAMZA, S/O LATE P ABDUL, AGED ABOUT 58 YEARS, R/AT- DARGA ROAD, BELAPU POST AND VILLAGE, KAUP TALUK, UDUPI DISTRICT-574117. …RESPONDENTS (BY SMT. DEEPTHI ALVA, HCGP FOR R1) Digitally signed by CHETAN B C Location: High Court of Karnataka - 2 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010484352026 NC: 2026:KHC:47588 CRL.P No. 10548 of 2026 THIS CRL.P IS FILED U/S.482 OF CR.PC (FILED U/S 528 BNNS) PRAYING TO ALLOW THE CRIMINAL PETITION AND QUASH THE ENTIRE PROCEEDINGS IN CC.NO.2524/2023 ARISING OUT OF CRIME NO.41/2022 FOR THE OFFENCE P/U/S 489, 506, 341, 504, 387, 323, 324, 343, 149, 212, 201, 143, 147, 365 AND 109 OF IPC PERTAINING TO SHIRVA POLICE STATION PENDING ON THE FILE OF HONBLE III ACJ AND JMFC, UDUPI. THIS PETITION, COMING ON FOR ADMISSION, THIS DAY, ORDER WAS MADE THEREIN AS UNDER: CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE M.NAGAPRASANNA ORAL ORDER The petitioner is before the Court calling in question the continuance of proceedings against him in C.C.No.2524/2023 which is registered for offences punishable under Sections 143, 147, 365, 341, 323, 324, 343, 489, 387, 109, 201, 212 read with Section 149 of the IPC. 2. Heard Sri. Mahammad Anwar, learned counsel appearing for the petitioner, Smt. Deepthi Alva, learned HCGP appearing for respondent No.1 and have perused the material on record. 3. Facts in brief, germane, are as follows: - 3 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010484352026 NC: 2026:KHC:47588 CRL.P No. 10548 of 2026 On an incident that takes place on 08.07.2022, a crime comes to be registered in Crime No.41/2022 for offences punishable under Sections 363, 506 and 34 of the IPC. The police conduct investigation and file a final report for plethora of offences. The petitioner - accused No.4 at the relevant point in time was not available for trial. Therefore, the concerned Court tries the other accused who were available for trial and acquits accused Nos.2, 3, 5 and 8. The petitioner not being available for trial, a split charge is drawn against him in C.C.No.2524/2023, which is now hanging on the head of the petitioner. 4. Learned counsel appearing before the petitioner submits that the reasons that went into acquitting accused Nos.2, 3, 5 and 8 would become straight away applicable to the petitioner as well. If it is a collective act, the learned counsel submits that the petitioner cannot be singled out for a different treatment. 5. Learned HCGP would, however, refute the submissions contending that the petitioner has escaped trial. Therefore, he must be directed to face trial and come out clean - 4 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010484352026 NC: 2026:KHC:47588 CRL.P No. 10548 of 2026 like accused Nos.2, 3, 5 and 8 and would seek dismissal of the petition. 6. I have given my anxious consideration to the respective submissions made by the learned counsel and have perused the material on record. 7. The afore-narrated facts are not in dispute. The issue before the Court relates to the offences as afore-quoted. The allegation is that all the accused together did indulge in the commission of the offence. The concerned Court answering the prosecution's allegations, acquitted accused Nos.2, 3, 5 and 8, who were available for trial on the following reasons: "8. ಅೕಜೆಯವರು ಾಜರುಪರುವ ಾಗಳನು ಪೕ, ಉಭಯ ಪಾರರ ಪರ ವೕಲರ ಾದವನು ಆದ ನಂತರ ಈ &ೕನ ಅಂಶಗ(ೆ ಾ)*ಾಲಯದ ಉತ+ರ ಈ ,ೆಳ-ನಂ.ೆ ಇರುತ+0ೆ. ಅಂಶ ಸಂ2ೆ) 1: ನ,ಾ3ಾತ4ಕ ಾ- ಅಂಶ ಸಂ2ೆ) 2: ನ,ಾ3ಾತ4ಕ ಾ- ಅಂಶ ಸಂ2ೆ) 3: : ನ,ಾ3ಾತ4ಕ ಾ- ಅಂಶ ಸಂ2ೆ) 4: ನ,ಾ3ಾತ4ಕ ಾ- ಅಂಶ ಸಂ2ೆ) 5: ನ,ಾ3ಾತ4ಕ ಾ- ಅಂಶ ಸಂ2ೆ) 6: ನ,ಾ3ಾತ4ಕ ಾ- ಅಂಶ ಸಂ2ೆ) 7: ನ,ಾ3ಾತ4ಕ ಾ- ಅಂಶ ಸಂ2ೆ) 8: ನ,ಾ3ಾತ4ಕ ಾ- ಅಂಶ ಸಂ2ೆ) 9: ನ,ಾ3ಾತ4ಕ ಾ- ಅಂಶ ಸಂ2ೆ) 10: ನ,ಾ3ಾತ4ಕ ಾ- ಅಂಶ ಸಂ2ೆ) 11: ನ,ಾ3ಾತ4ಕ ಾ- - 5 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010484352026 NC: 2026:KHC:47588 CRL.P No. 10548 of 2026 ಅಂಶ ಸಂ2ೆ) 12: ನ,ಾ3ಾತ4ಕ ಾ- ಅಂಶ ಸಂ2ೆ) 13: ಮುಂ8ನ ಆ0ೇಶದಂ.ೆ :,ಾರಣಗಳ:: 9. ಅಂಶ ಸಂ2ೆ) 1 ಂದ 12: ಪ;ಕರಣದ ಾಸ+ ಾಂಶಗಳ <ರೂಪ>ೆಯ ಪ?ನ3ಾವತ@ೆಯನು ತABಸುವ ಸಲು ಾ-, ಅಂಶ 1 ಂದ 12ನು Cೊ.ೆ*ಾ- ಚE@ಸಲು .ೆೆದು,ೊಳFGಾ-0ೆ. ಅೕಜೆಯ ಪ;ಕರಣದ ಸಂHಪ+ ಾ3ಾಂಶ ೇೆಂದ3ೆ:- 8ಾಂಕಃ 08-07-2022 ರಂದು ಸುJಾರು ಮ0ಾ)ಹ 13-15 ಗಂLೆೆ ,ಾಪ? .ಾಲೂMಕು Nೆಳಪ? ಾ;ಮದ ಪOಯೂರು ಗರ ,ಾ;P ಬ( ಾH-3 ೇಯವರು ಾH-2 ೇಯವರನು ಸಹಸ ಾರ3ಾ- ಕೂ,ೊಂಡು ,ೆಎ-20-ಇT-5662 ೇ ಸಂ2ೆ)ಯ ಸೂಟನM ಬುರುV+ರುವ ೇWೆ ಆXಾ8ತರುಗಳ: ಸJಾನ ಉ0ೆYೕಶ ೊಂ8,ೊಂಡು ,ೆಎ-20-ಎಂ.ಎ-5259 ಸಂ2ೆ)ಯ ,ಾನM ಬಂದು ಅದ,ೆZ ,ಾೆ ,ೆಎ- 41-Cೆ[-7695 ಎಂಬ ನಕ ನಂಬ\ XೆMೕ] ಆಳವ,ೊಂಡು ಬಂದು ಾH-3 ೇಯವರು ಸ ಾ JಾಡುV+ದY ಸೂಟೆ ,ಾರನು ಅಡ^ ಾ- <M ಮತು+ 1 ೇ ಆXಾ8ತನು ,ಾ<ಂದ ಇ(ದು ಬಂದು ಾH-2 ೇಯವರನು ಬಲವಂತ ಾ- ,ಾನM ಕು(F,ೊಂಡು ಅಪಹರಣ Jಾದ ಬ(ಕ ಮಂಗಳ_ರು &ೖಸೂರು Jಾಗ@ ಾ- Nೆಂಗಳ_ೆ ಕ3ೆದು,ೊಂಡು ೋ-ದುY, ,ಾನM ಾH-2 ೇಯವೆ ಾaಡ bೕನು (ಕನಡ cಾdೆಯM ಾaಯ ಮಗೇ) ಎಂದು ಮುMಂ cಾdೆಯM ಅ ಾಚ) ಶಬYಗ(ಂದ Nೈದು, ,ೈaಂದ ೊeೆದು ಾ0ಾ ಸfರೂಪದ ಾಯಪ ಮತು+ ಾH- 2 ೇಯವರನು ಉ0ೆYೕ NೊNೆg ೊeೆದ3ೆ ,ೊಲುMವ?0ಾ- hೕವ Nೆದ,ೆ ಾ ಾಗೂ 0ಾ ಮ0ೆ) ,ಾೆ ಅಳವದY ,ೆಎ-41-Cೆ[-7695 ೇ ನಕ ನಂಬ\ XೆMೕಟನು .ೆೆದು ,ೆಎ- 20-ಎಂಎ-5259 ೇ ೊಂದO ಸಂ2ೆ)ಯ ಮೂಲ ನಂಬ\ XೆMೕ] ಅಳವ ನಂತರ ಾH- 2 ೇಯವರನು ಾH-12 ೇಯವರು ನeೆಸುV+ದY Nೆಂಗಳ_ನ ಜಕೂರು, ;ೕ3ಾಮಪ?ರ ಎಂಬMರುವ ವಪ;ಾi ಎಂಬ ೆಸನ ವಸV ಗೃಹ,ೆZ ಕ3ೆದು,ೊಂಡು ೋ- ಮಹಯMರುವ ಒಂದು ,ೊಠಯM ಕೂ ಾದುY ನಂತರ 8ಾಂಕಃ 09-07-2022 ರಂದು ಾH-2 ೇಯವರನು ಾH-13 ೇರವರ Jಾಕತfದ Nೆಂಗಳ_ನ ಕGಾ)ಣ ನಗರ mೆ(,ೆ3ೆ ಎಂಬMರುವ Jಾ*ಾಂ 3ೆ^ ಕಟnಡದMರುವ ಗಣಪV <ಲಯದMನ ಒಂದು ರೂoೆ ಕ3ೆದು,ೊಂಡು ೋ- 8ಾಂಕಃ 16-07-2022 ರ ವ3ೆೆ ಕೂ ಾದುY, ಈ ಸಮಯದM ಾH-2 ೇಯವೆ 1 ೇ ಆXಾ8ತನು 3ಾ[<ಂದ ೊeೆದು ಾ0ಾ ಸfರೂಪದ ರಕ+ ಾಯ ಪ 15 ಲ ಹಣವನು <ೕಡುವಂ.ೆ ಾH-8 ೇರವರ bNೈೆ ಾ]p ಆq ಕ3ೆ Jಾ NೆದಲM0ೆ ಾH-2 ೇಯವೆ rಂೆ <ೕಡುV+ರುವ Tೕವನು ಕಳ:r ಕೂಡGೇ 15 ಲ ಹಣ <ೕಡNೇಕು <ೕಡ8ದYM ಾH-2 ೇಯವರನು ,ೊಲುMವ?0ಾ- Nೆದ,ೆ ಾದುY, ಾH-4 ೇರವರು ಾH-2 ೇಯವರನು 8ಾಂಕ 16-07-2022 ರಂದು Nೆಂಗಳ_<ಂದ ಊೆ ಬpನM ಕಳ:r,ೊtnರುವ?0ಾ-0ೆ. 8 ೇ ಆXಾ8ತನು ಉ(ದ ಆXಾ8ತರುಗ(ೆ ಉಳ,ೊಳFಲು ತನ ರೂoನM ಆಶ;ಯ <ೕದYಲM0ೆ 1 ೇ ಆXಾ8ತನು ಕೃತ;,ೆZ ಬಳದY 3ಾ[ನು uXಾ ಾ ಾಶ Jಾರು.ಾ+3ೆ, ಎಂಬುದು ಅೕಜೆಯ <ಲು ಾ-ರುತ+0ೆ. 10. 0ೋdಾ3ೋಪಣ ಪtnಯMನ ಒಟುn 48 ಜನ ಾH0ಾರರ Xೈ mಾಾ-1, 3, 2 ಮತು+ 8 ರವರನು ಅಾ-1 ಂದ 4 ರವರಾ- Tmಾರ>ೆೆ ಒಳಪಸGಾ-ರುತ+0ೆ ಮತು+ ಉ(ದಂತಹ ಾH0ಾರರನು - 6 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010484352026 NC: 2026:KHC:47588 CRL.P No. 10548 of 2026 ಪ;ಕರಣ8ಂದ ,ೈuಡGಾ-ರುತ+0ೆ. ಸದ ಾH0ಾರರ ಮೂಲಕ <vಾೆ A-1 ಂದ 10 ನು ಗುರುVಸGಾ-ರುತ+0ೆ. 0ಾಖGಾVಗಳ Xೈ <vಾೆ A.1 ದೂರು, <vಾೆ A.2 ಂದ 4 ಅಾ-1 ಮತು+ 2 ರವರ ೇ(,ೆ. <vಾೆ A-5 ತHೕರು ಸxಳದ ಮಹಜರು. <vಾೆ A-6 ಮತು+ 7 cಾವEತ;, <vಾೆ A-8 ಸfತು+ ಾfyೕನ.ಾ ಮಹಜರು. <vಾೆ A-9 ಅಾ-4 ರವರ ೇ(,ೆ. <vಾೆ A-10 Xಾ;ಾ-4ರವರ ಮರುೇ(,ೆ*ಾ-ರುತ+0ೆ. ಸದ ಾH0ಾರರು ಅೕಜೆೆ ಪ;Vಕೂಲ ಾ- ನು8ರುವ?ದಂದ ಉ(ದ ಾH0ಾರೆ ಸಮzp ೊರಸುವ?ದನು uಡGಾ-0ೆ. 11. ಈ ಪ;ಕರಣದM ಆ3ೋAತರ &ೕGೆ JಾಡGಾದಂತಹ ಆ3ೋಪವನು ರುಜು ಾತು ಪಸಲು ಅೕಜೆಯು ಈ ಪ;ಕರಣದ {*ಾ@ದು0ಾರ3ಾದ mಾಾ-1 ರವರನು ಅ.ಾ- 1 ಎಂದು Tmಾರ>ೆೆ ಒಳಪದುY ಅವರು ತಮ4 ಮುಖ) Tmಾರ>ೆಯM mಾಾ-3 ರವರು ತನೆ ಕ3ೆJಾ *ಾವ?0ೇ Tmಾರ V(ರುವ?8ಲM. mಾಾ-2 ರವರನು ಆ3ೋAತರು ಅಪಹರುವ?8ಲM ಮತು+ ತನೆ ಅವರ uಡುಗeೆಾ- ಹಣದ Nೇ,ೆ ಇtnರುವ?8ಲM. ಆ3ೋAತರು mಾಾ-2 ರವರನು ತeೆrದು ಅ ಾಚ) ಶಬYಗ(ಂದ Nೈ8ರುವ?8ಲM ಮತು+ ,ೈaಂ0ಾಗ ಅಥ ಾ Nೇ3ೆ *ಾವ?0ೇ ವಸು+ಗ(ಂದ ಹGೆM Jಾರುವ?8ಲM. ಅ0ೇ ಪ;,ಾರ ಆ3ೋAತರು ಅವರ ,ಾನ ನಂಬರ XೆMೕಟನು ಬದGಾaದ Tmಾರ ತನೆ ೊV+ಲM. ಆ3ೋAತರು mಾಾ-2 ರವೆ hೕವ Nೇದ,ೆ <ೕರುವ?8ಲM. .ಾನು }ೕಸೆ *ಾವ?0ೇ ೇ(,ೆಯನು <ೕರುವ?8ಲM. ಾHಯು ಾ)*ಾಲಯದ ಮುಂ0ೆ ಇರುವ ದೂನM ತನ ಸrಯನು ೋ ಗುರುVರುವ?ದYಂದ ಸದ ದೂರನು <vಾೆ A-1 ಎಂದೂ ಮತು+ ಾHಯ ಸrಯನು <A-1 ಎ ಎಂದು ಗುರುVಸGಾaತು. <A-1 ರM ಬ3ೆ8ರುವ Tmಾರ ತನೆ ೊV+ಲM. .ಾನು }ೕಸರ ,ೋ,ೆಯ &ೕ3ೆೆ <A-1 ,ೆZ }ೕಸ ~ಾ>ೆಯM ಾರು.ೆ+ೕೆ ಎಂದು ೇ(ದುY ಈ ಹಂತದM ಅೕಜೆಯು ಾHಯನು ಪ;Vಕೂಲ ಾH•ಂದು ಗುರುVದುY Xಾtೕ ಸ ಾಲು Jಾಡಲು ಅನುಮV ,ೋದುY ಅೕಜೆಯ ,ೋ,ೆಯನು ಅನುbೕ8 Xಾtೕ ಸ ಾಲು Jಾಡಲು ಅನುಮVಯನು <ೕಡGಾ-ದುY Xಾtೕ ಸ ಾಲು Jಾದರೂ ಸಹ ಅ.ಾ-1 ರವರು ಅೕಜೆೆ ಅನುಕೂಲ ಾಗುವಂತಹ ಾವನು ನು8ರುವ?8ಲM. 12. ಈ ಪ;ಕರಣದM mಾಾ-3 ರವರನು ಅ.ಾ-2 ಎಂದು Tmಾರ>ೆೆ ಒಳಪದುY ಅವರು ತಮ4 ಮುಖ) Tmಾರ>ೆಯM mಾಾ-1 ರವರ ಪಚಯ ಇರುವ?8ಲM. mಾಾ-2 ತನ ೇrತ, ಆ3ೋAತರ ಪಚಯ ಇಲM ಮತು+ ಅವರನು ೋರುವ?8ಲM.mಾಾ-2 ರವರನು ಆ3ೋAತರು ಅಪಹರುವ?8ಲM ಮತು+ ತನೆ ಅವರು uಡುಗeೆಾ- ಹಣದ Nೇ,ೆ ಇtnರುವ?8ಲM. ಆ3ೋAತರು mಾಾ-2 ರವರನು ತeೆrದು ಅ ಾಚ) ಶಬYಗ(ಂದ Nೈ8ರುವ?8ಲM ಮತು+ ,ೈaಂ0ಾಗ ಅಥ ಾ Nೇ3ೆ *ಾವ?0ೇ ವಸು+ಗ(ಂದ ಹGೆM Jಾರುವ?8ಲM, ಅ0ೇ ಪ;,ಾರ ಆ3ೋAತರು ಅವರ ,ಾನ ನಂಬರ XೆMೕಟನು ಬದGಾaದ Tmಾರ ತನೆ ೊV+ಲM. ಆ3ೋAತರು mಾಾ-2ರವರನು ಕೂ ಾರುವ?8ಲM, ಹಣದ Nೇ,ೆಯನು ಇtnರುವ?8ಲM ಮತು+ .ಾನು }ೕಸೆ *ಾವ?0ೇ ೇ(,ೆಯನು <ೕರುವ?8ಲM ಈ ಹಂತದM ಅೕಜೆಯು ಾHಯನು cಾಗಶಃ ಪ;Vಕೂಲ ಾH•ಂದು ಗುರುVದುY Xಾtೕ ಸ ಾಲು Jಾಡಲು ಅನುಮV ,ೋದುY ಅೕಜೆಯ ,ೋ,ೆಯನು ಅನುbೕ8 Xಾtೕ ಸ ಾಲು Jಾಡಲು ಅನುಮVಯನು <ೕಡGಾ-ದುY Xಾtೕ ಸ ಾಲು Jಾದರೂ ಸಹ Xಾ;ಸ 2 ರವರು ಅೕಜೆೆ ಅನುಕೂಲ ಾಗುವಂತಹ ಾವನು ನು8ರುವ?8ಲM. 13. ಈ ಪ;ಕರಣದM mಾಾ-2 ರವರನು ಅ.ಾ-3 ಎಂದು Tmಾರ>ೆೆ ಒಳಪದುY ಅವರು ತಮ4 ಮುಖ) - 7 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010484352026 NC: 2026:KHC:47588 CRL.P No. 10548 of 2026 Tmಾರ>ೆಯM mಾಾ-1 ರವರು ತನ 0ೊಡ^ಪB, mಾಾ-3 ತನ ೆWೆಯ, mಾಾ-5 ತನ EಕZಪB, mಾಾ- 6 ಂದ 8 ತನ ತಂ0ೆ-.ಾa, ಅಕZ, ಆ3ೋAತರ ಪಚಯ ಇಲM, .ಾನು ಆ3ೋAತರನು ೋರುವ?8ಲM. ಆ3ೋAತರು .ೆನೆ ಅ ಾಚ) ಶಬYಗ(ಂದ Nೈ8ರುವ?8ಲM ಮತು+ ,ೈaಂ0ಾಗ ಅಥ ಾ Nೇ3ೆ *ಾವ?0ೇ ವಸು+ಗ(ಂದ ಹGೆM Jಾರುವ?8ಲM. ಅ0ೇ ಪ;,ಾರ ಆ3ೋAತರು ಅವರ ,ಾನ ನಂಬರ XೆMೕಟನು ಬದGಾaದ Tmಾರ ತನೆ ೊV+ಲM. ಆ3ೋAತರು ತನೆ ಕೂ ಾರುವ?8ಲM ಮತು+ ಹಣದ Nೇ,ೆಯನು ಇtnರುವ?8ಲM ಮತು+ .ಾನು }ೕಸೆ *ಾವ?0ೇ ೇ(,ೆಯನು <ೕರುವ?8ಲM. <vಾೆ A-5 ರM ಬ3ೆ8ರುವ Tmಾರ ತನೆ ೊV+ಲM ಮತು+ }ೕಸರು ತನ ಮುಂ0ೆ *ಾವ?0ೇ ಮಹಜರನು Jಾರುವ?8ಲM. <vಾೆ A-7 *ಾವ ,ಾರಣ,ೆZ .ೆೆಯGಾaತು ಎಂದು ತನೆ ೊV+ಲM. ಾHಯು ,ಾನ Eತ;ವನು ಗುರುVರುವ?8ಲM. ಈ ಹಂತದM ಅೕಜೆಯು ಾHಯನು ಪ;Vಕೂಲ ಾH•ಂದು ಗುರುVದುY Xಾtೕ ಸ ಾಲು Jಾಡಲು ಅನುಮV ,ೋದುY ಅೕಜೆಯ ,ೋ,ೆಯನು ಅನುbೕ8 Xಾtೕ ಸ ಾಲು Jಾಡಲು ಅನುಮVಯನು <ೕಡGಾ-ದುY Xಾtೕ ಸ ಾಲು Jಾದರೂ ಸಹ ಅ.ಾ-3 ರವರು ಅೕಜೆೆ ಅನುಕೂಲ ಾಗುವಂತಹ ಾವನು ನು8ರುವ?8ಲM. 14. ಈ ಪ;ಕರಣದM mಾಾ-8 ರವರನು ಅ.ಾ-4 ಎಂದು Tmಾರ>ೆೆ ಒಳಪದುY ಅವರು ತಮ4 ಮುಖ) Tmಾರ>ೆಯM mಾಾ-1 ರವರು ತನ 0ೊಡ^ಪB, mಾಾ-2 ತನ ತಮ4, mಾಾ-3 ತನ ತಮ4ೆ ೆWೆಯ, mಾಾ-4 EಕZಪB, mಾಾ-5 ತಂ0ೆ, mಾಾ-6 .ಾa ಮತು+ ಆ3ೋAತರ ಪಚಯ ಇಲM. ಆ3ೋAತರನು .ಾನು ೋರುವ?8ಲM. ಆ3ೋAತರು ತನೆ ಅ ಾಚ) ಶಬYಗ(ಂದ Nೈ8ರುವ?8ಲM ಮತು+ ,ೈaಂ0ಾಗ ಅಥ ಾ Nೇ3ೆ *ಾವ?0ೇ ವಸು+ಗ(ಂದ ಹGೆM Jಾರುವ?8ಲM. ಅ0ೇ ಪ;,ಾರ ಆ3ೋAತರು ಅವರ ,ಾನ ನಂಬರ XೆMೕಟನು ಬದGಾaದ Tmಾರ ತನೆ ೊV+ಲM. ಆ3ೋAತರು ತನೆ ಕೂ ಾರುವ?8ಲM ಮತು+ ಹಣದ Nೇ,ೆಯನು ಇtnರುವ?8ಲM ಮತು+ .ಾನು }ೕಸೆ *ಾವ?0ೇ ೇ(,ೆಯನು <ೕರುವ?8ಲM. <vಾೆ A-8ರM ಬ3ೆ8ರುವ Tmಾರ ತನೆ ೊV+ಲM. }ೕಸರು ತನ ಬ(aಂದ *ಾವ?0ೇ bNೈಲನು ಜಪ? ೊ(ರುವ?8ಲM. ಈ ಪ;ಕರಣದ ಬೆ€ ತನೆ *ಾವ?0ೇ JಾrV ಇಲM, .ಾನು }ೕಸೆ *ಾವ?0ೇ ೇ(,ೆಯನು <ೕರುವ?8ಲM. ಈ ಹಂತದM ಅೕಜೆಯು ಾHಯನು ಪ;Vಕೂಲ ಾH•ಂದು ಗುರುVದುY Xಾtೕ ಸ ಾಲು Jಾಡಲು ಅನುಮV ,ೋದುY ಅೕಜೆಯ ,ೋ,ೆಯನು ಅನುbೕ8 Xಾtೕ ಸ ಾಲು Jಾಡಲು ಅನುಮVಯನು <ೕಡGಾ-ದುY Xಾtೕ ಸ ಾಲು Jಾದರೂ ಸಹ ಅ.ಾ-3 ರವರು ಅೕಜೆೆ ಅನುಕೂಲ ಾಗುವಂತಹ ಾವನು ನು8ರುವ?8ಲM. 15. ಅಾ-1 ಂದ 4 ರವರು ಅೕಜೆಯ ಪ;ಕರಣ,ೆZ ಪ•ರಕ ಾ- ಾವನು <ೕಡ0ೇ ಸಂಪ•ಣ@ ಾ- ಪ;Vಕೂಲ ಾH*ಾ- ಪಗOದುY, ಸಾಯಕ ಾಗುವಂತಹ ಅೕಜಕ ಪ,ೆZ *ಾವ?0ೇ ಪ•ರಕ ಾದ ಾಧ ಾ-ರುವ?8ಲM. Xಾ;ಾ-1 ಂದ 4 ರವರ ಪ;Vಕೂಲ ಾH*ಾ- ಪಣoದ ಪ>ಾಮ ಅಂಶಗಳನು ೊರತರಲು ಅೕಜಕ ಪದ ಪ•ಣ@ ಪ;ಕರಣವ? ಅನುJಾನ,ೆZ ಆಸBದ Jಾ,ೊtn0ೆ. ಈ ಪ;ಕರಣದM ಮುಖ) ಾH*ಾದ Xಾ;ಾ-1 ಂದ 4 ರವ3ೇ ಪ;Vಕೂಲ ಾH*ಾ- ಪಣoರುವ?ದYಂದ ಾಗೂ ಉ(ದ ಾH0ಾರರನು Tmಾರ>ೆೆ ಒಳಪಸುವ?ದಂದ *ಾವ?0ೇ GಾಭTಲM ೆಂದು ಮನಗಂಡು, ಇತ3ೇ ಾH0ಾರೆ ಸಮೆ ೊರಸುವ?ದನು ,ೈuಡGಾaತು. - 8 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010484352026 NC: 2026:KHC:47588 CRL.P No. 10548 of 2026 16. ಅೕಜಕ ಪದವರು ಆ3ೋAಯ &ೕನ 0ೋdಾ3ೋಪ>ೆಯನು ಾ)ೕEತ ೕVಯM ಮತು+ ಸಂಶ*ಾVೕತ ಾ- ರುಜು ಾತು ಪಸುವM <ƒZ„ಯೊಂ0ೆ, rೕಾ- ಸದ ಪ;ಕರಣದM ಆ3ೋAತರ Tರುದ… ಅೕಜಕ ಪದವರು JಾಡGಾದ *ಾವ?0ೇ 0ೋdಾ3ೋಪ>ೆಯನು ಸಮಪ@ಕ ಾ- ಾಗೂ ಸಂಶ*ಾVೕತ ಾ- ಾuೕತು ಪಸುವM ಸಂಪ•ಣ@ ಾ- Tಫಲ3ಾ-ರುವ?ದಂದ, ಸದ ಅನುJಾನದ Gಾಭವನು ಆ3ೋAೆ <ೕ, ಅವರನು ಅವರ &ೕGೆ Jಾದ ಆ3ೋಪ>ೆಗ(ಂದ Tಮು+ೊ(, uಡುಗeೆ ೊ(ಸNೇ,ಾಗುತ+0ೆಂದು ಅXಾ;ಯಪಟುn ಈ &ೕನ 1 ಂದ 12 ೇ ಅಂಶಗಳನು ಾ)*ಾಲಯವ? ನ,ಾ3ಾತ4ಕ ಾ- ಉತ+0ೆ. 17. ಅಂಶ ಸಂ2ೆ) 1 ಂದ 12: &ೕಲZಂಡ ಚmೆ@ಯM ಅಂಶ-1 ಂದ 12 ಅನು ನ,ಾ3ಾತ4ಕ ಾ- ಂದ ಉತ+ರುವ?ದYಂದ ಆ3ೋAತರು ಸಂಶಯದ Gಾಭ ೊಂ8 uಡುಗeೆೆ ಅಹ@3ಾ-ದುY ಈ ,ೆಳಕಂಡ ಆ0ೇಶ ೊರ0ೆ. ಆ0ೇಶ: ಅಪ3ಾy,ಾ ಪ;;*ಾ ಸಂr.ೆ ಕಲಂ 248(1) ರಯM ಪ;ದತ+ ಾದ ಅy,ಾರವನು ಚGಾa ಆ3ೋAತರ Tರುದ… ೊಸGಾದ cಾರVೕಯ ದಂಡ ಸಂr.ೆ ಕಲಂಗಳ: 143, 147, 365, 341, 323, 324, 343, 489, 387, 109, 201, 212 ಕಲಂ 149 ರಯMನ ಆ3ೋಪಗ(ಂದ ಆ3ೋA ಸಂ2ೆ): 2, 3, 5 ಮತು+ 8ರವರನು <0ೋ@ƒಗWೆಂದು uಡುಗeೆೆ Jಾಡಲು ಆ0ೇಸGಾ-0ೆ. ಮುಂದುವ3ೆದು, ಅಪ3ಾyಕ ಪ;;*ಾ ಸಂr.ೆಯ ಕಲಂ 437(ಎ)ರಯMನ ಆ3ೋA 2, 3, 5 ಮತು+ 8 ರವರ ಾಗೂ ಅವರ Cಾoೕನು0ಾರರ Cಾoೕನು ಮುಚ‡(,ೆ ಈ Vೕಪ?@ <ೕದ ಆರು Vಂಗಳ ನಂತರ ರ0ಾYಗುವ?ದು ಎಂದು ಆ0ೇಸGಾ-0ೆ. ಪ;ಕರಣದ ಮೂಲ0ಾಖGೆಗಳ: ಾಗೂ ಸfತು+ಗಳನು ..ಸಂ2ೆ): 2524/2023 ರ ಕಡತದM ಮುಂದುವಸಲು ಆ0ೇಸGಾ-0ೆ." 8. The reason so rendered by the concerned Court is that the prosecution has miserably failed to prove the guilt beyond all reasonable doubt. If that be the case against accused Nos.2, 3, 5 and 8 for passing an order of acquittal, it cannot be said that the petitioner would get convicted, if a trial is permitted on the same set of evidence. In that light, to save - 9 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010484352026 NC: 2026:KHC:47588 CRL.P No. 10548 of 2026 the precious judicial time, I deem it appropriate to exercise the jurisdiction under Section 528 of BNSS and obliterate the same. 9. The view of mine, in this regard, is fortified by the judgment rendered by a Co-ordinate Bench of this Court in Crl.P.4796/2017, wherein the Co-ordinate Bench considering identical set of facts has held as follows: “12. Having heard the learned Advocates appearing for parties and on perusal of records it would disclose that petitioner/accused was never traced and non-bailable warrant issued against him was never executed. Hon’ble Apex Court in the case of CENTRAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION vs AKHILESH SINGH reported in AIR 2005 SCC 268 has held quashing of charge and order discharging co-accused can be passed, if the proceedings initiated against co-accused is on similar allegations and if said judgment had reached finality. It is also held that discharge of a co-accused by the High Court by holding that no purpose would be served in further proceeding with the case, is just and proper. In another ruling in MOHAMMED ILIAS vs. STATE OF KARNATAKA reported in (2001) 3 Kant LJ 551 this Court has held as under: “The petitioner is the accused in the case and he is shown to be the absconding. Therefore, the case against the petitioner was split up and charge-sheet was laid against other available accused Nos.1 and 3 for committing an offence punishable under Sections 498A and 307 IPC r/w 34 Indian Penal Code, 1860. After the trial, - 10 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010484352026 NC: 2026:KHC:47588 CRL.P No. 10548 of 2026 the Sessions Judge acquitted the accused Nos.1 to 3. The petitioner was arrested and proceedings were revived against him in the split charge sheet.... In the instant case also, the full pledged trial was held against accused Nos.1 to 3, in respect of the same offence. In the second round of trial against the petitioner, the evidence to be produced cannot be different from the one that was produced by the prosecution in the earlier case. Therefore, in that view of the matter, the proceeding is quashed.” 13. Yet, in another ruling THE STATE OF KARNATAKA vs. K.C.NARASEGOWDA reported in ILR 2005 Kar. 1822 this Court has held to the following effect: “As the case before the Sessions Judge is not a pending case, he cannot keep the file any longer pending nor he can close the case as he has to await appearance of the accused or the production by the State, for passing orders regarding undergoing sentence. As such, considering these peculiar facts and circumstances, it is deemed proper to exercise the inherent jurisdiction under Section 482 of Cr.P.C. instead of jurisdiction under Section 385 of Cr.P.C. in the interest of justice. As the entire material evidence of the prosecutions is one and the same, as against all the accused including the non-appealing accused No.1, who is said to be absconding, there is no second opinion that he is also entitled for the same benefit of doubt as he is extended for his - 11 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010484352026 NC: 2026:KHC:47588 CRL.P No. 10548 of 2026 co-accused. Accused acquitted by giving benefit of doubt.” 14. In this background, when the facts on hand are examined, it would clearly indicate that not only complainant but also other witnesses including the inmates of ambulance in which they were travelling on the date of incident, had turned hostile in the proceedings which was continued against co- accused. Though, P.W.1 – complainant had admitted that he has lodged a compliant as per Ex.P-1 and had also admitted that he has given a statement identifying the accused before the Investigation Officer, he did not identify the accused persons present before Court. In fact, statements given by him as per Exs.P-2 to P-4 when confronted, he denied the same and had also denied the suggestion put by the public prosecutor that he had furnished the statements as per Exs.P-2 to P-4 as false. P.W.2 to P.W.8 had not identified the accused persons present before the jurisdictional Sessions Court. In fact, they have not even identified the statements made by them before the Investigating Officer and nothing worthwhile has been elicited in their cross- examination to disbelieve their evidence. Thus, taking into consideration said evidence available on record Sessions Court had arrived at a conclusion that evidence of the witnesses examined by prosecution would not come to their assistance. In fact, witnesses to the seizure panchnama - Ex.P-40, who were examined as P.W.16 and P.W.17, have also turned hostile and they have stated that police had called them a year back to the police station and when they went to the police station, they had not seen any accused persons in police station. However, they admit police having taken their signatures on the papers and contents of it were not known to them. - 12 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010484352026 NC: 2026:KHC:47588 CRL.P No. 10548 of 2026 15. It is in this background, trial Court on appreciation of entire evidence had acquitted all the accused persons by holding that prosecution had failed to prove the offence alleging accused persons beyond reasonable doubt attracting the ingredients of provisions of the offence alleged against them. In fact, Sessions Court has observed that there was certain communal disturbance in Dakshina Kannada district and other places at Bantwal Taluk and to please on community of people, the Investigating Officer might have falsely implicated the accused persons in a false case or to avoid the blame to be received from the public or other community people and such possibilities cannot be ruled out. In this background, when prayer of petitioner sought for in the present petition is examined, it can be noticed that contents of supplementary charge sheet filed against the petitioner is similar, identical and in fact, it is replica of charge made against accused Nos.1 to 23 and 25 to 33, who15 were tried in S.C.No.12/2007, 94/2007 and 26/2008 and had been acquitted. 16. In that view of the matter, this Court is of the firm view that judgment rendered by trial Court insofar as it relates to accused Nos.1 to 23 and 25 to 33 is similar and identical to the charge made against the present petitioner. This Court does not find any independent or separate material having been placed by the prosecution against present petitioner to put him on trial once again and directing the petitioner- accused to undergo the order of trial, which ultimately would fetch same result as that of accused Nos.1 to 23 and 25 to 33. When allegation made against accused Nos.1 to 23 and 25 to 33 is compared with the allegation made against present petitioner, it has to be necessarily held that they are identical, similar and inseparable in nature and no independent decision can be taken against the - 13 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010484352026 NC: 2026:KHC:47588 CRL.P No. 10548 of 2026 present petitioner. Therefore, no purpose would be served even if the present petitioner is ordered to be tried by the trial Court. 17. In view of the afore stated facts and the law laid down, as discussed hereinabove, it would emerge that there would be no harm or injustice that would be caused to prosecution if benefit of acquittal order is passed in favour of accused – petitioner, since accused Nos.1 to 23 and 25 to 33 against whom similar allegation had been made is already acquitted. Though, it is contended by Sri. Rachaiah, learned HCGP appearing for the State that petitioner should not be extended said benefit, since he is an absconder, by relying upon judgment of Coordinate Bench this Court is not inclined to accept said contention for single reason that said judgment had been rendered based on the judgment of Apex Court in the case of DEEPAK RAJAK vs. STATE OF WEST BENGAL reported in (2007) 15 SCC 305 where under Apex Court after noticing the facts obtained in the said case, had held that benefit of acquittal, should be extended to the appellant, since co- accused had been acquitted and held that a departure can be made in cases where accused has not surrendered “after conviction” in addition to not filing an appeal against the conviction. As such, noticing earlier position of law laid down it was held by the Apex Court that in case of acquittal of a accused for same offence on same set of facts and on similar accusations, if considered, it would entile for acquittal of co-accused also. 18. In that view of the matter, present proceedings initiated against petitioner is liable to be quashed. Hence, I proceed to pass the following: ORDER - 14 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010484352026 NC: 2026:KHC:47588 CRL.P No. 10548 of 2026 (i) Criminal petition is hereby allowed. (ii) Proceedings in C.C.No.1170/2007 pending on the file of Addl. Civil Judge & JMFC, Bantwal, in Cr.No.130/2006 registered by Bantwal Rural Police Station, is hereby quashed insofar petitioner is concerned. In view of criminal petition having been disposed of on merits, I.A.No.1/2017 for stay does not survive for consideration and same stands rejected.” The Co-ordinate Bench was considering a case where the co-accused who had escaped trial had not surrendered or was not arrested by the police. 10. In the light of there being no evidence against accused Nos.2, 3, 5 and 8 and the split up charge against the petitioner being tried now before the learned Sessions Judge would become an exercise in futility. In the teeth of there being no evidence or a specific charge against this petitioner, that was not charged against accused Nos.2, 3, 5 and 8, I deem it appropriate to obliterate the proceedings against the petitioner. 11. For the aforesaid reasons, I pass the following: ORDER i. Criminal Petition is allowed. - 15 - HC-KAR CNR: KAHC010484352026 NC: 2026:KHC:47588 CRL.P No. 10548 of 2026 ii. Proceedings in C.C.No.2524/2023 pending before the III Addl. Civil Judge and JMFC, Udupi stand quashed, qua the petitioner. Sd/- (M.NAGAPRASANNA) JUDGE MCR List No.: 2 Sl No.: 19