Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore/Bangalore, Mar 14: The state High Court on Tuesday March 13 refused to entrust the case relating to the abduction and murder of city-based young lawyer, Preetam Kumar, to Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). It may be recalled that the mysterious disappearance of the advocate had created sensation after his parents alleged that it was the handiwork of a government official, with whose daughter Preetam was in love, with the backing of a minister from the coast. After mulling over the issue, the government had handed over the investigation to Corps of Detectives.

Both Mangalore Bar Association and parents of Preetam had sought CBI inquiry into the incident through writ petitions, citing influence wielded by the opposite party, and expressing doubt about proper delivery of justice.

The division bench comprising Chief Justice, V J Sen, and Justice B V Nagaratna, dismissed the petition. The bench said that it would not be proper to order CBI inquiry at this stage, as the case is being heard by a lower court, and at a time when the policemen have filed ‘B’ report in this connection. The allegations made like improper police inquiry because of undue influence, non-obtaining of statements properly from Niyati, who reportedly was Preetam’s financee, and her family members, not taking anyone into custody for questioning etc, may be   placed before the lower court by the litigants, the bench observed.

The High Court said that the lower court has the jurisdiction and power to consider all the evidences and materials placed before it, before taking a proper decision. It said the High Court does not want to interfere in the matter.

While Preetam's parents have been claiming that their son had been abducted and murdered in January 2010, the policemen have been holding that Preetam had committed suicide by jumping into sea because of pressures he had been facing in his life. The parents of Preetam had also disputed the claim by the policemen that a partially decomposed body they had recovered belonged to Preetam.