The Karnataka High Court has stayed a criminal investigation against a Bengaluru doctor accused of assaulting two alleged Bangladeshi nationals, issuing a stern rebuke to state authorities for prosecuting citizens who report illegal immigrants rather than taking action against the undocumented residents.
Justice M Nagaprasanna halted the proceedings against Dr Nagendrappa after observing that local police registered a First Information Report (FIR) against him without conducting a preliminary inquiry or citing any physical injuries. The court characterized the case as a clear abuse of the legal process and an apparent counter-complaint filed to undermine reports of illegal stay.
Court Questions Police Action Following Tip-Off
According to court proceedings, the police registered the FIR on July 22, just 15 minutes after sending an official communication to the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) based on information provided by Dr Nagendrappa regarding the complainant, Nasreena. Police arrested the doctor last Thursday following allegations from Nasreena that he had verbally abused her and her husband, Bilal, in Hindi, physically dragged and assaulted her, struck Bilal on the head and back, kicked him, and issued death threats.
Justice Nagaprasanna noted that standard operating procedures formulated by the central government dictate that undocumented immigrants should be processed for deportation. Expressing concern that national security could be compromised, the court observed that registering criminal cases against informants encourages the proliferation of illegal immigration and deters public reporting. The bench also addressed instances where local property owners lease land to undocumented individuals for higher rents, calling on the state government to take strict measures against landlords entertaining occupants lacking valid visas or documentation.
State Denies Supporting Immigrants, Promises Action
Responding to the court’s remarks, Special Public Prosecutor B N Jagadeesha denied that the government was protecting the complainants. He informed the bench that authorities agree the couple is staying illegally and had presented them before the FRRO for identity verification and placement in detention shortly after receiving the initial tip. The prosecutor assured the bench that legal action would be taken against both the complainants and the property owners who leased land to them.
Deportation Verification Ordered Before Next Hearing
The High Court directed the Special Public Prosecutor to secure formal instructions from the police explaining how a criminal case was registered and an arrest executed without medical examination or evidence of injury. Additionally, the court ordered that the FRRO be impleaded as a party to the petition, instructing officials to provide details regarding deportation steps before the next hearing scheduled for August 6.
