Delay in KGF CSI case probe triggers demand for CID investigation
Bengaluru: Pressure is mounting on the state government to transfer the investigation into the alleged Bishop Cotton School land fraud case in KGF to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), amid allegations of delay and inaction by local police.
The case pertains to the Church of South India–Karnataka Central Diocese (CSI-KCD), with complainants alleging that the Robertson Pet police have failed to pursue the probe despite clear directions from the Karnataka High Court. A fresh complaint has now been submitted to the Chief Secretary and the Home Department seeking intervention.
CSI member Joseph Shantaraj, a sub-session member of St John’s Church, has alleged that forged government revenue documents were used to illegally obtain khata and approvals from the Urban Development Authority for the construction of Bishop Cotton School in KGF. Based on his complaint, an FIR (Cr No.114/2023) was registered by Robertson Pet police in 2023.
According to the complainant, the accused — including Bishop Vincent Vinod Kumar — approached the High Court and secured a stay on the investigation. The stay was vacated on October 28, 2025, with the court directing police to complete the probe expeditiously. However, no investigation report has been submitted so far.
Shantaraj has raised concerns that the delay may be due to “pressure from higher authorities”. He said he had earlier approached the chief minister, home minister and the director general of police on November 4, 2025, urging compliance with the court order.
In a fresh representation dated January 7, 2026, he alleged that the circle inspector of Robertson Pet police station has failed to act in accordance with the High Court’s directions and that the delay could benefit the accused. He has sought transfer of the case to the CID to ensure an impartial and time-bound investigation.
