Big order of Supreme Court in driver murder case of Congress leader, SIT will investigate afresh in Madhya Pradesh

Tezzbuzz Desk – The Supreme Court has given a big verdict in the case of murder of a Congress leader’s driver in Madhya Pradesh. The court has ordered to constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the case. The Supreme Court has directed the Madhya Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) to form a five-member SIT headed by an IPS officer from outside the state cadre.

This order was given while hearing the petition of Rajia Ali, wife of the deceased. It was alleged in the petition that due to political pressure the ongoing investigation has been affected and the investigation is not being conducted impartially.

Allegations of political influence were made

The deceased’s wife had claimed in her petition that her husband was the driver of a Congress assembly election candidate in Madhya Pradesh and he was murdered by people associated with a sitting BJP MLA.

The petition alleged that the investigation being conducted by the state police is not impartial and independent. After this, the Supreme Court decided to constitute a SIT to re-investigate the case.

Five member SIT will investigate

A bench of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana directed the DGP of Madhya Pradesh to form a SIT.

According to the court order in SIT:

• A senior IPS officer from outside the state cadre will be the Chairman.
• Three IPS officers of SSP rank will be included.
• Two officers below the rank of DSP will also be part of the team.

The Supreme Court directed that the SIT be constituted within two days and all documents and records be taken over from the existing investigating agency.

Questions raised over eyewitness statements not being recorded

During the hearing, the Supreme Court found that apart from the complainant, four eyewitnesses were present, but the investigating agency had not recorded their statements.

The court also said that these witnesses had given affidavits to the investigating officers. On this basis, the court ordered to form a new SIT for impartial investigation of the case.

There will be a fresh investigation as per law

Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, appearing for the state government, had opposed the petition saying that the investigation has been conducted impartially and without any discrimination and is nearing completion.

However, the Supreme Court said that now the SIT will conduct a fresh investigation as per the law. The court made it clear that the investigation should be conducted free from any outside influence.

The SIT has also been directed to consider the statements of eyewitnesses and their affidavits before filing the report in the competent court.