On Wednesday, October 8, 2025, the Supreme Court demanded an explanation from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Madhya Pradesh government. The apex court expressed concern over the significant delay in arresting two police officers accused in the alleged custodial death of a 24-year-old individual.
This directive from a Bench comprising Justices B.V. Nagarathna and R. Mahadevan came after the CBI finally confirmed that both the previously absconding officers had been apprehended.
The Supreme Court pointed out that these officers remained at large for an extended period, despite an explicit order for their arrest issued on May 15. It was only after a contempt petition was filed and the court voiced its strong displeasure that the state government appeared to take serious action.
The Bench sternly questioned the authorities, stating, “What exactly transpired during all these days? Why were you unable to locate these individuals? It seems we are compelled to consider contempt charges before any action is taken. This is clearly not how an order from the Supreme Court, especially one from a three-judge bench mandating arrests, should be handled.”
The judges further expressed their dismay, asking about the departmental action initiated against the two officers. They highlighted the concerning fact that the officers sought anticipatory bail even after the Supreme Court had issued a direct order for their arrest.
During the proceedings, Additional Solicitor General Raja Thakare, representing the CBI, confirmed to the court that its order had been complied with and both accused officers were now under arrest.
He specified that Uttam Singh was arrested in Indore on September 27, and Sanjeev Singh was taken into custody in Shivpuri on October 5. Both individuals are currently held in Indore jail.
Additionally, the Bench instructed the State government to provide an update on the departmental actions initiated against the two officers involved.
The case is scheduled for its next hearing on November 6.
The Supreme Court was addressing a contempt petition filed by the victim’s mother, who alleged that the court’s earlier order from May 15 had not been followed.
On that date, May 15, the apex court had strongly condemned the Madhya Pradesh government for its failure to act against the policemen implicated in the custodial death, subsequently transferring the investigation to the CBI.
The current investigating officer stated that he assumed control of the case on June 30, and by July 2, he had arrested a police official who, according to eyewitness accounts, was allegedly involved in the custodial torture.
During the hearing on September 25, the bench had severely criticized both the Madhya Pradesh government and the CBI for the prolonged delay in suspending the two absconding police officials, issuing a clear warning of potential contempt proceedings.
The court pointed out that these police officials had been missing since April yet remained unsuspended. The CBI’s counsel later informed the apex court that the suspensions finally took place on October 1.
Prior to this, the Bench had also reprimanded the CBI for its failure to arrest the absconding officers sooner.