LAILA KARUNAKARAN Vs. STATE OF KERALA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) PETITIONER-widow of one Karunakaran, prays for a direction to the Central Bureau of Investigation to take over and investigate into Crime No. 103 of 1987 en the file of Karimanoor Police Station and Crime no. 91 of 1987 of the Kaliyar Police Station. On 31-7-1987, one Scaria, his wife Daisy and their children Tinu and Sebastian were alleged to be murdered. Ia respect of this, Crime No. 91 of 1987 was registered.

(2.) IT is said that, petitioner's husband a taxi driver by profession, took certain persons in his jeep on the night of 31-7-1987. They are Tomy, George & Joy. Petitioner believes, thai those who travelled in the said jeep on the fateful night, were responsible for the murders of Scaria and his family. Tomy is said to be relative of deceased Scaria. According to petitioner, thereafter her husband was found very gloomy and he confided to her, that he may have to be witness in a police case.

(3.) I heard learned Public Prosecutor. I do not think it necessary to go into the various allegations, but a perusal of the records produced before me, leaves me in no doubt that the cases call for an indepth investigation. Petitioner would suggest that this should be, by the Central bureau of Investigation. I do not think that there it justification-atleast at this stage-to direct the Central Bureau of Investigation to take up the matter, for reasons more than one. The limited manpower and infrastructure of Central bureau of Investigation, would make it difficult for it to take on itself responsibilities that should appropriately enure to the State Police. That apart, the Central Bureau of Investigation is required to enquire into only a class of enumerated cases. Unless there are very compelling reasons, they cannot be mulcted with the additional responsibility of enquiring into cases, that properly fall within the purview of the State Police. Besides, I am not inclined to reconcile myself to the view that the State Police is incapable of investigating into crimes that call for a degree of professionalism. Having bestowed anxious consideration on the various aspects, I direct the Inspector general of Police (Crimes), Trivandrum to cause investigation into Crime Nos. 103 of 1987 under his personal supervision. He may nominate a team of Officers of his choice to carry out the investigation. I am certain that the Inspector general of Police (Crimes) will personally oversee and guide the investigation from time to time, is view of the responsibility that this court reposes in him. I am sure that, no efforts will be spared by the Kerala Police to cause a thorough investigation and bring to book the offenders, if there are cases of murder.