The high court on Monday issued a notice to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with the murder case of farmer-activist Siddalinga Prabhu.
Prabhu, who was fighting against land acquisition by Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprises (NICE), was killed by unidentified persons on October 17, 2011, near Talaghattapura.
Justice S Abdul Nazir issued the emergent notice to the CBI, responding to a petition filed by Prabhu’s uncle Basappa, who sought a CBI probe into the murder.
Prabhu, who owned land in Sompura village, possessed documents relating to the alleged illegal activities behind the land acquisition, Basappa had contended.
Hence, he sought the issuance of a writ order or direction by the court to hand over the investigation to the CBI. NICE managing director Ashok Kheny is the prime accused in the case.
The petitioner alleged police inaction, collusion, discrimination and favouritism in the case. He also alleged that the police failed to perform their duties, thus resulting in violation of the fundamental rights of his family members.
He said on several occasions, emissaries were sent to Prabhu to join hands with Kheny and his henchmen, including his close associate M Rudresh. In return, they assured him a peaceful life. But Prabhu did not heed to the illegal demands of Kheny and his land was taken over by them on July 18, 2011. When Prabhu questioned the act, he was threatened. There was even attempt on his life. Prabhu then lodged a police complaint about the attempt on his life.
On October 17, 2011, Prabhu went missing. He did not return home the next day and his body was later found in a pit along Rachanamadu Road near Devikarani Estate, the petitioner had said.
