Karnataka DSP Arrested For 'Abetting Suicide Of Bhovi Scam Suspect': 'Stripped Her, Sought Bribe'

The suicide note of the deceased alleged that the woman officer stripped her naked in custody and demanded a Rs 25 lakh bribe to remove her name from the investigation.

Karnataka Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) BM Kanakalakshmi has been arrested by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) in connection with the suicide of advocate and businesswoman S Jeeva, who was an accused in the Bhovi Development Corporation scam. The arrest, which took place on Tuesday in Bengaluru, follows allegations of abetment to suicide and corruption against the officer.

Jeeva’s Suicide Case

Jeeva, 33, died by suicide on November 22, 2024, leaving behind an 11-page death note in which she accused DSP Kanakalakshmi of severe harassment, as per a report on IANS. The note alleged that the officer stripped her naked in custody and demanded a Rs 25 lakh bribe to remove her name from the investigation. Her family also claimed that CID officials had publicly humiliated her at her wood materials business and harassed her staff.

The case revolves around the misuse of Rs 34 crore from the Bhovi Development Corporation, funds originally allocated for the welfare of the Bhovi community. Investigators found that Rs 7.16 crore had been transferred to Annika Enterprises, a company owned by Jeeva. The alleged scam took place during the tenure of the previous BJP government in Karnataka.

Jeeva was questioned by the CID just seven days before her death, despite a Karnataka High Court order directing that she be interrogated virtually instead of in person. However, CID officials summoned her physically, allegedly subjecting her to mental and physical harassment, as per the report.

Following her death, Jeeva’s sister, S. Sangeeta, lodged a formal complaint against DSP Kanakalakshmi at the Banashankari police station, reported The Hindu. The Karnataka Advocates' Association also approached the High Court, demanding strict action against those responsible for her ordeal.

Action Against DSP

Taking note of the gravity of the case, the Karnataka High Court set up a three-member SIT, including two IAS officers and a CBI officer, to investigate the allegations. The SIT recorded Kanakalakshmi’s statement twice before concluding that there was sufficient evidence to arrest her. It was also confirmed that video footage from the CID office supports key claims made in Jeeva’s suicide note, strengthening the case against the officer.

On Tuesday morning, DSP Kanakalakshmi was taken into custody after appearing before investigators.