Karnataka Government Entrusts Udupi Washroom Video Controversy to CID

Udupi: On Monday, the Karnataka government made the decision to hand over the investigation into the Udupi washroom video row to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). The incident, which occurred in July at a private paramedical college in Udupi district, involved three girl students from a private institute recording a video of a girl student while she was inside the washroom.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah took to the social media platform X to announce the government's decision, citing the sensitivity of the issue as the primary reason behind the transfer to CID. The case had sparked public outrage and had caught the attention of right-wing outfits, and the BJP. Consequently, the Udupi police filed an FIR against the three students and the college management, initiating an investigation. The students were later released on conditional bail by an Udupi court.

On Tuesday, August 8, a team of CID officers arrived in the city to take charge of the case. Led by CID DySP Anjumala Nayak, the team visited the office of the Superintendent of Police (SP) at Bannanje, Udupi, to gather relevant information pertaining to the case. It is anticipated that the CID team will meet with the girl students involved in the controversy as part of their ongoing investigation.

However, the government's decision to transfer the case to CID has not been without controversy. Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna expressed concerns regarding the timing of the transfer, especially when the Udupi district police were actively investigating the matter.

Suvarna pointed out that the state government had previously intensified the investigations under the Udupi district police department following public outcry and protests.

Suvarna said that during the investigation, it was revealed that the father of one of the accused students is an active member of the PFI (Popular Front of India). “Given this revelation, the sudden decision to transfer the case to CID before the district police completed their investigation has raised concerns and confusion among the public,” he added.