HC transfers custodial death case from SIT to CBI

The Delhi High Court on Thursday ordered a CBI probe into the custodial death of a 34-year-old man, who had tried to intervene in a roadside fight between a couple and police here.

Justice Siddharth Mridul, transferring the case from Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Delhi Police to CBI, said that it was necessary to "instill confidence among the general public as serious allegations are levelled against police personnel".

The court was hearing the plea of victim Shahnawaz Chaudhary's wife who had sought action against officers involved in the alleged brutal custodial violence and death of her husband.

According to the petition filed by his wife, the incident took place at Nand Nagri area of east Delhi on September 7 when the victim had tried to intervene in a road-side fight between a couple and police.

In its order, the court said: "In the facts and circumstances of the case and the reasons discussed while concluding it can be said that the instigation is far from fair and independent....

"It is incumbent upon me to transfer the investigation to CBI to instill confidence in general public as serious allegations are levelled against police personnel."