SC Orders Probe into Tribal Man's Death, Grants Protection to MP Minister Amid Controversy

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The Supreme Court has directed the Madhya Pradesh DGP to set up a three-member SIT to investigate the death of 27-year-old Nilesh Adivasi, a tribal man. The court also granted interim protection from arrest to state minister Govind Singh Rajput, who is accused of caste-based abuse and abetment of Adivasi's alleged suicide. Adivasi had initially filed a complaint against Rajput, but later retracted it, stating he was coerced into doing so. He died by hanging in July, and a fresh case was registered against Rajput, who then moved the high court for anticipatory bail. The court rejected his plea, leading to his appeal in the Supreme Court. The SC bench, led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, ordered the SIT to be formed within two days, comprising two police officers from outside Madhya Pradesh and a female Deputy SP. The court directed the SIT to probe the case expeditiously and conclude within a month. The bench also ordered that no coercive measures be taken against Adivasi's brother, who is also a witness in the case. The court's decision comes amidst allegations of police bias and inaction in the case. Adivasi's wife had filed a writ petition in the high court, alleging that the local police were not taking adequate action. The SC has directed the high court to take up the petition and decide it in light of the top court's directions. The SIT will examine all angles behind Adivasi's death, including those that may not have been part of the ongoing police investigation. The court has also ordered witness-protection measures to be implemented, particularly for tribal witnesses who may be subjected to pressure.