Udupi: The inquiry into the reported case involving alleged voyeurism at a local paramedical college is swiftly progressing after the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) assumed control on August 7. ADGP (CID) Manish Kharbikar’s visit to Udupi on August 10 alongside CID SP Raghavendra and CID DySP Anjumala Nayak, is connected to this matter. Udupi SP Akshay M. Hakay and Additional SP Siddalingappa, along with their team, are furnishing logistical support to the CID officials.
Initially, ADGP (CID) Manish Kharbikar convened with Udupi Superintendent of Police Akshay M Hakay. Manish Kharbikar later communicated to the press that the ongoing investigation into the voyeurism case involves discussions on pending aspects requiring further inquiry. He indicated, “Upon the investigation’s completion, the filing of the charge sheet will follow, awaiting the pending FSL report.” He underscored that despite the awaited FSL report, the investigation will persist, with the FSL report subsequently reaching the investigating CID officer.
On the preceding day, CID officials assigned to the case visited the paramedical college to elicit statements from the female victims. During this visit, the CID team employed a mannequin to replicate the crime scene, ensuring investigative precision.
The incident pertains to three Muslim girls charged by Malpe police on July 25 for purportedly recording a video of another girl using the college restroom. An FIR was lodged against them, citing breaches of Sections 509 (acts infringing upon a woman’s modesty), 204 (destruction of evidence), 175 (failure to produce documents/electronic records), and 34 (joint intent) of the Indian Penal Code. Additionally, Section 66 (E) (capturing, publishing, or transmitting images of private body parts) of the Information Technology Act was invoked. The Udupi court granted conditional bail to the three accused girls on July 28.