Bengaluru: Allegations of delay and inaction have surfaced in the police investigation into the Bishop Cotton School land case in KGF, intensifying demands for the probe to be handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
The case, involving the influential CSI–Karnataka Central Diocese (CSI-KCD), pertains to alleged irregularities in securing permissions for the construction of Bishop Cotton School in KGF. Members of the Christian community have raised concerns that the investigation by the local police has not progressed in line with court directions.
CSI member Joseph Shantaraj has now approached the state Chief Secretary and the Home Department, alleging that undue delay by the KGF Robertson Pate police is benefiting the accused. He has sought transfer of the case to the CID, citing lack of progress despite clear instructions from the Karnataka High Court.
According to Shantaraj, he had filed a complaint in 2023 alleging that forged government revenue land documents were submitted to the Urban Development Authority (KUDA) to illegally obtain khata and other statutory approvals for the school building. Based on the complaint, Robertson Pate police registered an FIR (Cr No.114/2023).
Soon after the investigation began, the accused — including CSI bishop Vincent Vinod Kumar — moved the High Court, securing a stay on the probe. The stay was vacated on October 28, 2025, with the court directing the police to complete the investigation expeditiously. However, no report has been submitted to the court so far.
Shantaraj has alleged that the delay raises serious doubts about pressure from higher authorities. He said he had earlier submitted representations on November 4, 2025, to the chief minister, home minister and director general of police, urging compliance with the court order. A fresh complaint was filed on January 7, 2026, accusing the circle inspector of causing “unwarranted delay” and failing to act as directed by the court.
Fearing that the slow pace of investigation could weaken the case against the accused, Shantaraj has urged the government to transfer the probe to the CID to ensure a fair and time-bound investigation.
