The Karnataka High Court at Dharwad has granted bail to a man arraigned as Accused No.10 in a case arising from the death of a retired Army personnel, observing that the specific allegation against him concerned an alleged tampering of a government scientific agency’s report and would have to be established at trial.
Background
The case relates to the death of Sandeep K. Manjaragi. According to the prosecution, Accused Nos. 1 and 2 allegedly played the principal role in the events leading to his death. The prosecution alleged that a poisonous substance was administered to the deceased and that efforts were subsequently made to influence the forensic findings.
The petitioner, Kumar @ Dali, was arrested during the investigation and remained in judicial custody. His counsel argued that the investigation had been completed and a charge-sheet had already been filed. The defence maintained that the petitioner’s alleged role was limited to issuing a tampered report from a government scientific agency.
The State opposed bail, submitting that there was prima facie material against the petitioner and that his release could create a risk of influencing prosecution witnesses.
After examining the material on record, Justice Venkatesh Naik T noted that the principal allegations were directed against Accused Nos. 1 and 2. As regards Accused No.10, the allegation concerned the alleged manipulation of the government scientific agency’s report.
The Court observed:
"Whether petitioner/accused No.10 assisted in tempering with the report issued by the government scientific agency is a matter of trial and the same has to be established during the course of the evidence. The petitioner is a permanent resident of the address mentioned in the cause title of the petition and he is ready and willing to abide by the conditions to be imposed by this Court. Under these circumstances, this court is of the opinion that the petitioner may be enlarged on bail with stringent conditions."
The High Court allowed the criminal petition and ordered the petitioner’s release on bail. He was directed to execute a personal bond of ₹2 lakh with two sureties for the same amount before the trial court.
The Court further directed him not to threaten or tamper with prosecution witnesses, to appear before the trial court when required, and not to involve himself in similar or other offences.
Case Details
- Case Title: Kumar @ Dali v. State of Karnataka
- Case Number: Criminal Petition No. 102099 of 2026
- Judge: Justice Venkatesh Naik T
- Decision Date: September 30, 2026
