Supreme Court Orders CBI Probe into Dalit Girl's Death in Madhya Pradesh
The Supreme Court has taken a decisive step in the controversial case involving the death of a 20-year-old Dalit girl, Anjana, from Barodia Naunagir village in Sagar district, Madhya Pradesh. On Wednesday, a bench comprising Justice M M Sundresh and Justice N K Singh rejected the investigation theory presented by the Madhya Pradesh Police and ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the matter.
Witnesses Seek Immediate Police Protection Amid Safety Fears
Following the Supreme Court's ruling, fresh concerns have emerged regarding the safety of witnesses connected to the case. Vishnu Ahirwar, nephew of murdered witness Rajendra Ahirwar and a co-petitioner in the Supreme Court case, has written to the Director General of Police (DGP) of Madhya Pradesh, seeking security for himself and his mother. He cited threats and intimidation linked to the case as reasons for his request.
"I require immediate security arrangements," Vishnu told TOI. "Rajendra's parents have not been seen since yesterday. I am scared too. My applications for security to DGP and other officers remain unattended."
In his application, Vishnu expressed fear for the lives of himself, his mother, and other family members, alleging they could be attacked or killed like his brother Nitin alias Lalu, his relative Rajendra Ahirwar, and his sister Anjana. He requested both security provision and legal action against those allegedly threatening witnesses.
Background of the Case and Suspicious Deaths
The case traces back to 2019 when a sexual assault complaint was filed by the survivor and her family against influential individuals in the region. When the complainants refused to bow to pressure, her brother Nitin alias Lalu was assaulted on June 24, 2023, leading to his death. Rajendra Ahirwar, uncle of Nitin, served as a witness to the killing.
Anjana and her family subsequently approached various police authorities, including the Superintendent of Police, Inspector General, and Director General of Police, demanding a fair investigation into the deaths while expressing fear for their lives. The witness Rajendra Ahirwar died under suspicious circumstances after an assault in June 2024 while returning to Sagar. A day later, while Anjana was accompanying Rajendra's body, she died mysteriously after falling off the hearse.
Since these incidents, Vishnu and his family have persistently demanded a thorough investigation into the deaths, alleging that influential people were behind the murders.
Brother of Deceased Seeks Protection as Parents Go Missing
A key petitioner and brother of the deceased Dalit girl has sought police protection, claiming that his elderly parents have reportedly left their home for an undisclosed location. This development adds to the growing concerns about witness safety in the case.
The Supreme Court's intervention marks a significant turn in this complex case, which has seen multiple deaths and allegations of intimidation against witnesses. The order for a CBI investigation suggests the court found the state police's handling of the case inadequate, potentially due to the involvement of influential individuals as alleged by the victims' family.
As the CBI prepares to take over the investigation, the focus now shifts to ensuring the safety of remaining witnesses and family members who continue to seek justice in this troubling case from Madhya Pradesh.
