In a stunning turn of events, Kurubara Suresh, a tribal man from Karnataka, was wrongly imprisoned for nearly two years for the alleged murder of his wife, Mallige. Mallige, who had eloped with another man in 2020, was discovered alive on April 1, 2025, while dining at a hotel in Madikeri.
The police had previously identified skeletal remains as hers, leading to Suresh’s arrest. The Mysuru court has now summoned police officials and ordered the Superintendent of Police (SP) to submit a report on investigative lapses by April 17. This case highlights grave concerns about police negligence and systemic failures in the justice system.
Grave Police Lapses Under Scrutiny
Suresh’s ordeal began in December 2020 when he reported Mallige missing. Months later, skeletal remains were found in Bettadapura, and police hastily concluded they belonged to Mallige. Despite a DNA mismatch with her family, the police filed a murder charge sheet against Suresh, alleging he killed her over an extramarital affair.
Suresh was jailed until September 2024 when he secured bail but remained incarcerated for another year due to financial constraints. Advocate Pandu Poojari has strongly criticised the police for their failure to verify the evidence and trace Mallige, who had been living just 30 km from her hometown.
Judge Gururaj Somakkalavar termed the investigation “flawed” and ordered a re-investigation. The police’s hasty conclusions and lack of thorough investigation have raised serious questions about their procedures and accountability.
Mallige’s Confession Sparks New Questions
Mallige’s appearance in court on April 2 shocked everyone as she admitted to eloping with another man and claimed ignorance of her husband’s imprisonment. Her confession has raised questions about her role in the case and whether she should face legal consequences for misleading authorities.
Mallige is currently under police protection at a state home until further proceedings. Meanwhile, Suresh’s advocate plans to file for compensation for his wrongful imprisonment and trauma.
The court has also directed the SP to investigate the identity of the skeleton that was misidentified as Mallige’s. This new development adds complexity to the case, as it involves not only police negligence but also Mallige’s actions and their legal implications.
A Shocking Twist in Court and Its Aftermath
The discovery of Mallige alive has brought attention to systemic failures in Karnataka’s law enforcement processes. The court has summoned investigating officers to explain their lapses and address how such a grave error occurred despite clear evidence pointing otherwise.
This case highlights the urgent need for reforms in forensic investigations and accountability mechanisms within the police force. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and calls for stricter oversight of police investigations to prevent similar miscarriages of justice.
The legal community is also discussing potential legal actions against Mallige for her role in misleading authorities and causing Suresh’s wrongful imprisonment.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This case underscores the systemic flaws in law enforcement and judicial processes that disproportionately affect marginalised communities like Suresh’s tribal background. The premature conclusions drawn by the police not only ruined an innocent man’s life but also highlighted a lack of accountability in handling evidence.
As we call for reforms to prevent such miscarriages of justice, we ask our readers: How can we ensure better oversight of investigations while protecting vulnerable individuals from systemic failures? What steps can be taken to address the root causes of such lapses and ensure justice for those wrongly accused? Share your thoughts below!
