HC transfers mysterious death probe of tribal youth to CBI

The Telangana High Court, observing that the investigation into the mysterious death of a scheduled tribal youth was “marred by serious irregularities, lack of patent investigation”, referred the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation for a “fresh, independent and comprehensive” probe.

Justice N. Tukaramji of the HC directed the CBI to register a regular case based on the materials received and conduct a “de-novo” investigation without any clear findings or conclusions. The judge allowed the plea filed by the deceased’s father Nikhil Dharavath Bhaskar for a CBI investigation, saying that the record revealed that the investigation had initially proceeded on the basis of a preconceived hypothesis of suicide even before the relevant definitive forensic findings.

“Such an approach is contrary to settled principles of the conduct of criminal investigations and undermines the constitutional guarantee of a fair and impartial trial,” the order said. There was conflicting medical opinion and an apparent lack of transparency in providing post-mortem reports to the young man’s family. These shortcomings take on significance in the light of conflicting opinions.

While one medical report suggested that Nikhil drowned after strangulation, another claimed that there was no injury before the post-mortem. Such an implacable inquiry is open to serious doubt and therefore requires an independent, thorough and scientifically sound investigation, the judge said. A law graduate, Nikhil went missing on October 9, 2022 from Suryapet.

He left the house and told his family members that he was going to meet his friends. His cell phone was switched off. He was found dead in a canal two days later. Initially, a missing person case was registered. Later, a separate First Information Report was issued by the Chilkur police.

The young man’s father repeatedly claimed to the police that his son’s death was not suicide, but murder. The motive may have been Nikhil’s relationship with a young upper caste woman. He alleged that earlier female relatives had threatened Nikhil and assaulted him.

The judge directed the CBI to investigate all aspects, including the possibility of manslaughter under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code, criminal conspiracy and destruction of evidence. Angles of caste motive under relevant sections of Prevention of Atrocities Against Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Act, last seen theory, call data records, digital evidence and CCTV footage should be investigated, the order said.

Medical and forensic evidence should be re-evaluated. If necessary, a new expert opinion should be obtained. The state police department, including the crime investigation department (to which the case was handed over to the local police), should hand over the entire case records to the CBI. The victim’s family should be informed of all relevant developments and at the same time provide copies of relevant reports in accordance with the law, the order said.

Published – 24 Jun 2026 20:12 IST