Supreme Court Orders CBI Probe Into Chhattisgarh Custodial Death Over Alleged Cover-Up
The Supreme Court criticised the conduct of Chhattisgarh State officials and ordered the CBI to investigate both the custodial death of Shravan and the alleged failure of authorities to act after a judicial inquiry.
The Court termed the explanation offered by State authorities a "cover-up story" and ordered investigation into the conduct of officials who allegedly failed to act despite the judicial inquiry findings.
The Supreme Court has directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to investigate the custodial death of a Chhattisgarh man who died four days after being arrested for allegedly possessing six litres of raw Mahua liquor.
The deceased, Shravan, was the sole breadwinner of his family. According to the case record, he suffered an unnatural death while in custody, following which questions were raised regarding the circumstances of his injuries and the response of State authorities.
Supreme Court Questions State's Explanation
A Bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta noted that the State had failed to register a criminal case even after a judicial inquiry had been conducted into Shravan's custodial death.
State authorities maintained that no further action was initiated because the judicial inquiry report had allegedly not been received by the police.
"This itself shows that the stand taken by the DGP of Chhattisgarh before this Court is patently false and wholly reprehensible."
Supreme CourtThe Court rejected the explanation and observed that the authorities had attempted to present what it described as a "cover-up story."
"The State authorities have conveniently and deliberately tried to cover up this case."
Observation of the Supreme CourtCBI Directed to Register Criminal Case
In view of the circumstances, the Supreme Court ordered the CBI to immediately register a criminal case and investigate the events surrounding Shravan's death.
Importantly, the investigation will not remain limited to the cause of the custodial death. The Court also directed the investigating agency to examine the conduct of officials who allegedly failed to initiate action after the judicial inquiry report was submitted.
"We are of the firm opinion that the ends of justice require that the investigation into the circumstances leading to the custodial death of Shri Shravan be entrusted to the CBI."
Supreme Court BenchKey Directions Issued by the Supreme Court
- CBI has been directed to register a criminal case immediately.
- The circumstances surrounding Shravan's custodial death must be investigated.
- The conduct of State officials who allegedly failed to take action must also be examined.
- Officials found responsible for custodial violence may be proceeded against in accordance with law.
- The investigating officer must submit a status report before the Supreme Court.
- The Chhattisgarh DGP must transmit all relevant case records to the CBI Director.
₹25 Lakh Interim Compensation Ordered
The Supreme Court also took note of the impact of Shravan's death on his family. He was stated to be the sole earning member of the household.
Considering the circumstances surrounding his death, the Court directed the Chhattisgarh government to pay interim compensation to his family.
The amount has been directed to be paid by the Chhattisgarh government to Shravan's family.
What Happened to Shravan?
Arrest Under Excise Act
Shravan was arrested under the Chhattisgarh Excise Act for allegedly possessing six litres of raw Mahua liquor and was lodged in the Central Jail at Bilaspur.
Health Condition Deteriorates
After his health deteriorated, Shravan was taken to CIMS Hospital for medical treatment.
Shravan Dies
He died at the hospital the following morning.
Judicial Inquiry Report Submitted
The Judicial Magistrate at Bilaspur submitted an inquiry report concluding that Shravan died due to complications arising from a head injury.
Post-Mortem Revealed Multiple Injuries
The post-mortem examination recorded several injuries on Shravan's body, including a lacerated wound on the back of his head.
Important Post-Mortem Findings
- A lacerated wound was recorded over the occipital region of the scalp.
- Abrasion injuries were found over the right thigh.
- Another abrasion was noticed on the left side of the neck.
- The reported cause of death was cardio-respiratory arrest resulting from complications associated with a head injury caused by a hard and blunt object.
The Supreme Court also examined the apparent age of the injuries recorded during the post-mortem examination.
"The possibility of the deceased having sustained these multiple injuries spread over the period of his custody cannot be ruled out."
Supreme CourtJudicial Inquiry Conducted After Custodial Death
Following Shravan's death, a judicial inquiry under Section 176 of the Code of Criminal Procedure was conducted.
The Judicial Magistrate, Bilaspur submitted the inquiry report in July 2024. According to the material considered by the Supreme Court, the inquiry found that Shravan had died due to complications caused by the head injury.
However, no criminal case was registered even after the report was submitted.
Family Approached Chhattisgarh High Court
Following the absence of action after the judicial inquiry, Shravan's wife and daughters approached the Chhattisgarh High Court.
They sought ₹50 lakh as compensation and requested action against the officials allegedly responsible for his death.
The High Court observed that Shravan had died as a result of violence suffered while in police custody and directed payment of ₹1 lakh as compensation to his family.
However, the High Court did not direct registration of an FIR, following which the family approached the Supreme Court.
DGP's Stand Comes Under Supreme Court Scrutiny
Before the Supreme Court, the Chhattisgarh Director General of Police stated that an FIR had not been registered because the police had not received the judicial inquiry report.
The Supreme Court found this explanation unacceptable and strongly criticised the conduct of the State authorities.
The Supreme Court concluded that the explanation regarding non-receipt of the judicial inquiry report could not justify the failure to initiate criminal proceedings and ordered an independent CBI investigation.
Officials' Conduct Also Under CBI Investigation
The CBI has additionally been directed to inquire into the conduct of officials who failed to take action against persons responsible for Shravan's death after the judicial inquiry report was submitted.
The Supreme Court stated that officials found responsible for the alleged custodial violence after completion of the investigation should be proceeded against and prosecuted in accordance with law.
Case Records to Be Sent to CBI
To facilitate the investigation, the Supreme Court directed the Chhattisgarh DGP to send all records connected with the case to the Director of the CBI within one week through a special messenger.
The investigating officer has also been directed to place a status report regarding the progress of the investigation before the Court.
Next Supreme Court Hearing
The investigating officer has been directed to submit a status report before the Supreme Court on the next date of hearing, October 13.
