Fake Supreme Court Order, 2018 Release: Why Karnataka DIG Somashekar Was Arrested

Karnataka Police have arrested Deputy Inspector General (Prisons) M Somashekar in connection with the alleged use of a forged Supreme Court order to secure the release of a life convict from Bengaluru Central Prison in 2018.

Somashekar, who was the Chief Superintendent of Bengaluru Central Prison when the release took place, was arrested on October 4 and produced before a court. He was subsequently taken into police custody for further questioning, police said.

The case relates to Shankar A Aradhya, who was sentenced to life imprisonment and fined Rs 10,000 by Fast Track Court-I on July 12, 2004, in a case registered by Chickpet Police Station. His appeals before the Karnataka High Court and the Supreme Court were unsuccessful, according to investigators.

Police said Shankar was nevertheless released from the prison on November 13, 2018, on the basis of a purported Supreme Court order dated November 2 that directed his release.

Investigators found that S Srikanth, who was then working as a Second Division Assistant in the Convict Prisoner Section, had allegedly forged the document. Police said the order falsely showed that the Supreme Court had allowed Shankar’s release. Srikanth was allegedly paid Rs 6 lakh for the forgery, according to the investigation.

The alleged irregularity came to light in May 2026, when the prison superintendent filed a complaint at Parappana Agrahara Police Station. The purported order was subsequently verified with the Supreme Court’s Assistant Registrar and found to be fabricated.

Shankar and Srikanth were arrested during the investigation and remanded to judicial custody. Police also questioned Shankar’s wife, who was arrested in connection with the case.

Investigators have alleged that Somashekar assisted in securing Shankar’s release and failed to provide relevant information during the probe. Police said his role was examined based on statements recorded during the investigation.

Shankar’s wife has also alleged that Somashekar sexually exploited her in connection with efforts to secure her husband’s release. Police said the allegation is being investigated separately.

The investigation is also examining the role of other prison officials involved in handling and processing the purported court order. Somashekar remains in police custody until October 9, police said.