Daijiworld Media Network – Beltangady

Beltangady, Jul 16: In connection with case number 39/2025 registered at the Dharmasthala police station, key developments have emerged regarding the safeguarding of a witness’s identity and physical protection.

Witness identity protection

During the hearing of a plea seeking protection of the witness’s identity, it was revealed that the advocate representing the witness had shared several details with the media via press releases and other communications. Police officials questioned the advocate in this regard. In response, the advocate claimed that the information was released based on the witness’s request.

However, police authorities stated that the information disclosed through these media communications undermines the very objective of protecting the witness’s identity. The matter remains under further review.

Witness protection measures

Regarding the physical protection of the witness, police clarified that, under Rule 7, several procedures can be initiated only with the witness’s consent and cooperation. On July 10, 2025, the advocate representing the witness was informed of this via email.

Despite this, the police have not received any update or information regarding the current whereabouts of the witness. All correspondence with the advocate continues to be conducted exclusively via email.

In the absence of any verifiable information on the witness’s location, the deputy superintendent of police has reported to the competent authority that providing protection under the witness protection framework is not currently feasible.

The report further notes that if the witness remains untraceable in the next stages of the investigation, the police will have no means to verify the individual’s whereabouts for implementing any protective measures.