The Supreme Court of India has ordered the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to take over the investigation into the alleged custodial torture and death of a 25-year-old man named Deva Pardhi in Madhya Pradesh. The decision was made by a bench comprising Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta, who strongly criticized the Madhya Pradesh government for failing to arrest the police officers accused of the crime.
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The Court was responding to a petition filed by Deva’s mother, who alleged that her son was brutally tortured and killed by the police. According to her, Deva was arrested along with his uncle, Gangaram, in connection with a theft case. While Gangaram remains in judicial custody, Deva allegedly died due to police torture. In contrast, the police claimed that Deva died of a heart attack.
The petition, filed under Article 32 of the Constitution, sought a fair investigation and requested that the case be handed over to the CBI or a Special Investigation Team (SIT). It also requested bail for Gangaram, who is said to be the sole eyewitness to the incident.
During the hearing, the Supreme Court strongly criticized the State for its inaction against the accused police officers. Expressing disappointment, Justice Mehta remarked:
"Great response to a case of custodial death! What better example of favouritism, shielding your own officers... Man dies in your custody and it takes you 10 months to lay hands on your own officers."
The Court further noted that despite the magisterial inquiry and the transfer of the accused officers to line duty, no arrests had been made. Justice Mehta questioned the sincerity of the investigation, describing the situation as a "sad state of affairs."
Reading the post-mortem report, Justice Mehta questioned the claim that Deva died of a heart attack, pointing out the visible bruises on his body. He remarked:
"A 25-year-old boy killed by custodial violence and not a single injury on the body seen by the medical jurist? You say he died of a heart attack? Bruises all over the body. Sad state of affairs in this country that vice of custodial violence continues unabated."
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The Court also directed that security be provided to Gangaram, who is the sole eyewitness in the case. Advocate Payoshi Roy, representing Gangaram, informed the Court that he was being harassed by the police. The Court, however, advised that it might be safer for Gangaram to remain in custody due to threats to his life.
"Presently, being in custody is better for your own health and safety. When he comes out, he is run over by a lorry and you won't even know. It will be an accident and you will lose the single witness," Justice Mehta remarked, emphasizing the risks involved.
With the case now handed over to the CBI, the Supreme Court’s stern remarks serve as a strong reminder of the need for accountability and justice in cases of alleged custodial violence.
Case Details: HANSURA BAI AND ANR. v THE STATE OF MADHYA PRADESH AND ANR|SLP(Crl) No. 3450/2025
