Supreme Court transfers Chhattisgarh custodial death investigation to CBI citing cover-up

The Supreme Court of India has ordered the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to take over the investigation into a suspicious custodial death in Chhattisgarh. Expressing deep dissatisfaction with state police officials, the apex court observed an apparent attempt by local authorities to cover up the incident, thereby undermining public trust in local police investigations.

Custodial violence and deaths in police custody violate fundamental guarantees under Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty) and Article 22 (Protection against arrest and detention). Under Article 32 and Article 136, the Supreme Court possesses extraordinary jurisdiction to transfer local police probes to independent central agencies like the CBI when fundamental rights are compromised or institutional bias is established.

The court highlighted that an impartial investigation is a constitutional imperative to uphold the rule of law and preserve institutional credibility. The order directs state law enforcement to hand over all physical evidence, autopsy records, and preliminary investigation files to the CBI immediately.

This case underscores important principles regarding police accountability, custodial rights, and constitutional remedies. Exam candidates should focus on Supreme Court precedents regarding CBI probe transfers, human rights protections in custody, and police reform recommendations.