The Karnataka High Court has stayed further investigation into two criminal cases registered against a Bengaluru-based doctor who claimed he had helped authorities identify alleged illegal Bangladeshi immigrants living in the city. While hearing the matter, Justice M. Nagaprasanna sharply questioned the manner in which the police acted and observed that the sequence of events raised serious concerns about possible misuse of the criminal justice process.
The Court also directed the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) to place on record the status of the persons alleged to be staying in India without valid documents.
Background of the Case
The petitions were filed by Dr. Nagendra, who stated that he had provided information to the police regarding persons allegedly residing in Bengaluru without valid immigration documents on July 22, 2026.
According to the submissions before the Court, shortly after the investigating officer informed the FRRO about one such individual, a criminal complaint was lodged against the doctor, resulting in an FIR. Another criminal case was also registered against him later the same day based on a separate complaint. Dr. Nagendra was arrested and released on bail the following day.
The State submitted that the complainants had alleged assault by the petitioner and informed the Court that the persons concerned had already been produced before the FRRO and shifted to a detention centre.
Court's Observations
Justice M. Nagaprasanna closely examined the timeline placed before the Court and found it significant that the investigating officer had informed the FRRO about the complainant's alleged illegal status shortly before the complaint against the doctor was registered.
Questioning the police action, the bench observed,
"There cannot be a better illustration of abuse of process of law at the hands of police."
The Court further remarked that when a citizen informs authorities about alleged illegal immigration, registering criminal cases against that person without proper verification raises serious concerns. It also noted that the absence of any medical evidence supporting the assault allegations required careful consideration.
The bench observed,
"It is high time the system stops supporting illegal immigrants by way of registering crimes against persons who only identified them."
Justice Nagaprasanna also questioned whether the police should have conducted a preliminary inquiry before acting on the complaints, particularly in view of the surrounding circumstances placed before the Court.
Court's Decision
Finding that the material on record prima facie indicated a possible abuse of the criminal process, the Karnataka High Court stayed further investigation in both criminal cases against Dr. Nagendra until further orders.
The Court directed that the FRRO be impleaded as a respondent and asked it to place instructions regarding the status of the alleged illegal immigrants before the Court.
The matters have been listed for further hearing on August 6, 2026.
Case Details
Case Title: Dr. Nagendra v. State of Karnataka & Anr.
Case Number: CRL.P. No. 11258/2026 (connected matters)
Judge: Justice M. Nagaprasanna
Decision Date: July 28, 2026
