Karnataka High Court denies anticipatory bail to accused police officials in Bitcoin scam case
Bengaluru: The Karnataka High Court has refused to grant anticipatory bail to a police inspector and Deputy Superintendent of Police, who are among the accused in the Bitcoin scam case.
The bail petitions of inspector Chandradhara S R and Deputy Superintendent of Police Shridhar K Pujar, who are accused number three and five respectively in the case were earlier rejected by a sessions court.
Justice Rajendra Badamikar, delivering the verdict, highlighted concerns about potential manipulation of records and destruction of evidence, given the positions held by the petitioners. He emphasised that the allegations included attempts to destroy evidence, making their bail petitions devoid of merit. Special Public Prosecutor B N Jagadeesha, representing the Crime Investigation Department, argued that the accused officers were involved in facilitating illegal activities, including the transfer of funds and Bitcoins.
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The CID also contended that the officers colluded with other accused individuals to destroy evidence and evade legal consequences. The court observed that the actions of the petitioners indicated an attempt to tamper with evidence and assist accused individuals for unlawful gain. It noted instances where the officers allegedly provided illegal substances to detainees and facilitated illegal transactions.
In light of the evidence presented, the court rejected the bail petitions, affirming the seriousness of the allegations and the need for further investigation into the Bitcoin scam case. The Bitcoin scam had surfaced during the previous BJP regime in 2021, and the Congress then in the opposition had accused the government of trying to cover up the scandal as it involved big names. The prime suspect, Srikrishna Ramesh alias Sriki, was accused of hacking the state government's e-procurement site and siphoning off over ₹11.5 crore. There were also charges of cryptocurrency theft, drug peddling and cyber fraud relating to the case.
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Goa: Woman killed, colleague injured after Mini Cooper crashes into bike; businessman’s son held
Panaji (PTI): A 23-year-old woman employee of a five-star hotel was killed, and her male colleague seriously injured after a speeding luxury car allegedly driven by a businessman's son rammed into their motorcycle in North Goa, police said on Tuesday.
The police on Monday arrested Darius Dias (22) in connection with the accident, which took place in the Dona Paula locality near here on Sunday night, an official said.
Dias, who was allegedly driving a Mini Cooper, rammed the vehicle into the motorcycle, he said, adding that the car bore a temporary number plate, installed before a vehicle is registered with the Regional Transport Office (RTO).
Diksha Parwadkar, who was riding pillion on the motorcycle, was declared dead on arrival at a private hospital, while her colleague D Arunkumar (26) remains in a critical condition, the official said.
The duo were employed at a five-star hotel and were returning home after completing their night shift, he said, adding that a probe is underway.
