Supreme Court Orders Fresh Probe in 2012 Karnataka Murder

The Supreme Court ordered a fresh investigation into the 2012 rape and murder of a 17-year-old near Dharmasthala, directing the Karnataka government to set up a new Special Investigation Team.

The top court instructed that the new probe must be completed within three months and a police report filed, while excluding any officers from the previous investigation team.

The bench emphasized that lone accused Santosh Rao, who was acquitted by a CBI court in June 2023, is protected under constitutional double jeopardy and cannot face further prosecution.