No CBI Probe into Advocate Naushad Kashimji's Murder - HC

Mangalore - 02 Feb 2012: The Karnataka high court on Thursday February 2 nullified an order that had been passed by a single-bench of the high court directing CBI enquiry into the murder of city-based advocate Naushad Kashimji.

The earlier order had been passed by the single judge bench headed by Justice Mohana Shantanagowdar on July 15, 2011, after which the high court had stayed the order on October 17, 2011. The latest order, in essence, means that there will be no CBI probe into the case.

It may be recalled that advocate Naushad Kashimji, who had appeared on behalf of Rashid Malbari, a close associate of Dawood Ibrahim, and many others, was murdered near his apartment in the city on April 9, 2009. Senior advocate, Purushottam Poojary had filed a complaint in Pandeshwar police station here, alleging that the murder was committed by four police officers who were not in good terms with Naushad over the latter's comments against the police in the court, and the fact that he was appearing on behalf of those who had links with terrorist outfits.

The case was handed over to the CID, but not much progress was made. Naushad's wife then filed a writ petition alleging that the police had unilaterally filed charge sheet against some of the accused who were arrested by them, and appealed for CBI probe. Based on her plea the single-bench passed an order handing over the probe to CBI. The city police had then appealed against the order, stating that they were capable of solving the case.

The latest judgement quashing the CBI probe order was passed by the division bench of the high court, comprising chief justice Vikramjit Singh and justice B V Nagaratna.