The Supreme Court on Wednesday expressed lack of confidence in the Chhattisgarh administration's handling of a custodial death case, directed registration of an FIR and handed the matter to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The court also ordered the state government to pay ₹25 lakh as interim compensation to the deceased's family.
Bench finds state probe unreliable, accuses officials of a cover-up
A bench of the Supreme Court said the circumstances of the death of Shravan Suryavanshi warranted an immediate and impartial probe. The court observed that state authorities had adopted a "dilatory approach" and could not be trusted to conduct a fair investigation into the events leading to the death.
"The stance of blissful ignorance taken by the senior officers of the State of Chhattisgarh... is sacrilegious and reflects a disturbing disregard for the statutory procedure governing custodial deaths," the bench said, finding explanations by senior officials "perfunctory and pedantic".
The bench criticised the explanations offered by senior state officers — including the Director General of Police, the Director General (Prisons) and the Principal Secretary (Home) — who appeared virtually before the court. It said the account that no police or disciplinary action had been taken because the judicial inquiry report had not been served on police officials appeared to be a "cover-up story".
Facts of the case
According to court records and earlier judicial findings, Shravan was arrested on 18 January 2024 after he was found in possession of raw mahua liquor and was lodged at the Central Jail, Bilaspur. He was referred to hospital on 21 January 2024 and died a day later. The high court had earlier concluded that the death occurred due to violence inflicted while he was in custody.
| Date / Event | Detail |
|---|---|
| 18 January 2024 | Shravan arrested and lodged at Central Jail, Bilaspur |
| 21 January 2024 | Referred from jail to hospital |
| 22 January 2024 | Died in hospital (reported as "a day later" after referral) |
Court's specific directions and findings
The Supreme Court directed immediate registration of an FIR and that the investigation be entrusted to the CBI because it found the state's probe inadequate and its senior officers' explanations unsatisfactory. The court also ordered the state government to provide ₹25 lakh as interim compensation to the family of the deceased.
The bench referred to medical reports and observed there had been attempts to mislead inquiries. It found inconsistencies between the initial medical report prepared at the jail and later accounts, saying that the jail medical record had recorded the cause of death in a manner suggesting an effort to misdirect the inquiry.
Implications for state administration and police
By transferring the probe to the CBI and reprimanding senior officials, the Supreme Court has signalled judicial scepticism about the state administration's ability to investigate custodial deaths impartially. The order may prompt administrative review within the state's home and prison departments and could lead to criminal and departmental action against those found responsible, depending on the CBI's findings.
- Investigation: Now with the CBI; FIR to be registered.
- Compensation: Interim award of ₹25 lakh ordered for the deceased's family.
- Officials criticised: DGP, DG (Prisons) and Principal Secretary (Home) described as offering perfunctory explanations.
The Supreme Court's decision underscores judicial insistence on strict compliance with statutory safeguards for persons in custody and on prompt, transparent inquiry into custodial deaths. The CBI's probe will be watched for its scope, timetable and whether it leads to prosecutions or departmental action.
No further factual details about subsequent charges, names of accused officials, or the contents of the inquiry report were provided in the court record relied upon in the hearing. The CBI and the Chhattisgarh government are expected to issue formal statements or take action following the court's order.
