A panel of three judges at the Karnataka High Court in Bengaluru has sanctioned the invocation of the Goonda Act against the infamous rowdy-sheeter Vishal Singh Chauhan, as authorized by the city Police Commissioner Iada Martin Marbaniang.
Vishal, a resident of Chikkandihalli in Kittur taluk of Belgaum district, faces charges in 14 criminal cases across Karnataka, Goa, and Maharashtra. These charges include murder, attempted murder, kidnapping for ransom, robbery, theft, and violations of the Arms Act. Despite facing arrest warrants in three states, the 25-year-old continued to evade authorities by moving between states after committing crimes. In violation of exile orders, he abducted an individual in the Tilakwadi area of Belgaum city. A special team led by DCP (Law and Order) Rohan Jagadish was formed by the Belgaum police to apprehend him. In March of this year, Kiran Honakatti, PSI of Udyambag, successfully arrested Vishal with the assistance of ACPs Sadashiv Kattimani and Shekharappa H. Since then, he has been held at Gulbarga Central Jail.
In light of his criminal history and disregard for exile orders, the city police commissioner directed the Khade Bazar police to draft a proposal for invoking the Goonda Act against the offender. DCP Rohan Jagadish presented the proposal to the commissioner for review, who subsequently imposed the Goonda Act on April 30, 2024, and remanded him to judicial custody.
Subsequently, the police presented compelling evidence to the advisory board of judges at the high court in support of invoking the Goonda Act, receiving favorable rulings. DCP Rohan Jagadish made arguments before the judges during the proceedings. Additionally, the accused utilized social media platforms to facilitate his criminal activities and deceive law enforcement regarding his whereabouts while evading capture.
City Police Commissioner Iada Martin stated that the process of invoking the Goonda Act against three to four more habitual offenders is currently underway.
