PSI in the dock for falsely implicating man in drug case

Bengaluru city police have initiated a departmental inquiry against a police sub-inspector and other staff attached to D. J. Halli police station for implicating a 45-year-old private firm employee in a drug case in October 2023.

Murali R., a resident of Chikkabanaswadi, was produced before the Additional Civil and Sessions Court (NDPS Special Court) in Bengaluru, as the third accused in a narcotics case, backed by the statement of the prime accused in the case.

However, Mr. Murali’s advocate argued that his client was falsely framed in the case. He told the court that his client was involved in a matrimonial case, and his wife, allegedly related to a senior police officer, may have influenced the case against him as a form of retaliation. 

“I  was facing a case filed by my wife in the family court, and was under the impression that I was arrested in connection with that case. But I realised I was arrested in a drug case only after I was produced before the court,” Mr. Murali said.

The judge found no evidence apart from the statement of the prime accused in the case to implicate him and granted him bail. Further, in March 2024, the court discharged him from the narcotics case as the prosecution failed to provide any evidence in the case and pointed to lacunae in the investigation.

Following this, Mr. Murali petitioned the city police commissioner and the Karnataka State Human Rights Commission, among others. After much delay, the city police have now launched an inquiry against a sub-inspector for allegedly framing him in a false case. 

“I suffered a lot, my unwell and aged parents went through mental harassment, and I lost my dignity in the community because of the police action. I will file a criminal defamation case and ensure justice is served. This kind of harassment of innocent people must stop,” Mr. Murali said.

Published - May 31, 2025 07:10 pm IST