Bilaspur : The Supreme Court has ordered a CBI investigation into the custodial death of 34-year-old Shravan Suryavanshi in Chhattisgarh’s Bilaspur district and directed the state government to provide ₹25 lakh as interim compensation to his family.
The court also expressed strong displeasure over the delay in registering an FIR and directed that any police officers found responsible for custodial violence must face action in accordance with law.
Supreme Court Orders CBI Investigation
The Supreme Court has directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to investigate the circumstances surrounding Suryavanshi’s death in custody.
The investigation will also examine why appropriate action was not taken by state authorities despite a judicial inquiry reportedly finding evidence of a head injury.
The court directed the CBI to register a regular criminal case and conduct the investigation through a senior officer.
The probe will determine who was responsible for the alleged custodial violence and whether any officials failed to act despite the findings of the judicial inquiry.
Shravan Suryavanshi Died in 2024
The case dates back to January 2024 and concerns the jurisdiction of Sipat Police Station in Bilaspur district.
According to the case details, police took Shravan Suryavanshi into custody on January 18, 2024, allegedly in connection with possession of illicit country-made mahua liquor.
He reportedly died in hospital three days later, on January 21, 2024.
The allegation was that Suryavanshi had kept liquor worth approximately ₹1,200 for sale in front of his grocery shop.
Following his death, the jail superintendent wrote to the Sessions Judge on January 22, 2024, requesting a judicial inquiry.
A magistrate subsequently conducted an inquiry and submitted a report in July 2024. According to the case presented before the Supreme Court, the report attributed the death to complications arising from an injury to the head caused by a heavy and pointed object.
Family Approached High Court
Suryavanshi’s wife and his two daughters sought an independent investigation and ₹50 lakh compensation.
Through advocate Rajeev Dubey, the family approached the Chhattisgarh High Court seeking relief and an impartial probe into the circumstances surrounding his death.
The High Court ordered compensation of ₹1 lakh, but did not direct registration of an FIR or an independent investigation.
Dissatisfied with the relief granted by the High Court, the family subsequently approached the Supreme Court through the same legal counsel.
Supreme Court Questions Delay in FIR
During the hearing, the Supreme Court noted that the ₹1 lakh compensation ordered by the High Court was inadequate considering the seriousness of the allegations.
The court also took note of the fact that an FIR was reportedly registered only on July 30, 2026, nearly two-and-a-half years after Suryavanshi’s death.
The delay became a key issue during the proceedings, with the court questioning the functioning and response of the state police.
The Supreme Court has now directed the CBI to investigate the matter as a regular criminal case.
Court Expresses Strong Displeasure Over State’s Action
During the hearing, the state’s Director General of Police (DGP) reportedly explained that the FIR had not been registered earlier because the judicial inquiry report had not been received by the police department.
The Supreme Court questioned this explanation, noting that the judicial inquiry report had already been submitted along with an affidavit filed by the state before the Chhattisgarh High Court.
The state also reportedly argued that the inquiry report did not disclose a cognisable offence requiring criminal action.
The Supreme Court expressed strong dissatisfaction with the explanation and ordered an independent CBI investigation.
₹25 Lakh Interim Compensation to Family
In addition to ordering the CBI probe, the Supreme Court directed the Chhattisgarh government to pay ₹25 lakh as interim compensation to Suryavanshi’s family.
The compensation is intended as immediate relief and does not determine final liability or the outcome of the criminal investigation.
The court has made it clear that if the investigation establishes the involvement of police personnel in custodial violence, the responsible officials must be proceeded against in accordance with law.
CBI Probe to Examine Wider Accountability
The CBI investigation will not only examine the immediate circumstances of Shravan Suryavanshi’s death but will also look into the alleged delay in action despite the judicial inquiry findings.
The probe is expected to determine:
- The circumstances leading to Suryavanshi’s death.
- Whether he suffered injuries while in police or judicial custody.
- The identity and role of anyone responsible for the alleged violence.
- Why an FIR was not registered earlier.
- Whether officials failed to act despite the judicial inquiry findings.
- Whether any other officials or individuals have a role in the matter.
The Supreme Court’s intervention has brought renewed focus on custodial accountability, police procedures and the need for timely action when allegations of custodial violence arise.
The matter will now be investigated by the CBI, and the final responsibility of individuals involved will depend on the evidence collected during the investigation and subsequent judicial proceedings.
