Ramandeep Kaur : Supreme Court Orders CBI Probe in Woman’s Custodial Death, Punjab Appeal Rejected

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Custodial death investigation
2. Supreme Court CBI probe

In a significant legal development, the Supreme Court of India has dismissed an appeal by the Punjab government, upholding the decision to assign the investigation of a young woman’s custodial death to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Ramandeep Kaur tragically died in police custody in August 2017, sparking allegations of severe misconduct. Mukul Garg petitioned the High Court, alleging police brutality leading to his fiancée’s untimely demise. The court highlighted discrepancies in the Special Investigation Team’s (SIT) findings, including mishandling of crucial evidence like a missing knife. To maintain public trust, the High Court directed the CBI to take over the investigation on March 11, 2024.

Supreme Court Upholds CBI Investigation into Custodial Death Case

In a significant legal development, the Supreme Court of India has rejected an appeal by the Punjab government, affirming the decision to transfer the investigation of a young woman’s custodial death to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The tragic incident involving Ramandeep Kaur occurred in a small village called Jalandhar in August 2017, sending shockwaves through the local community.

Allegations of Police Misconduct in Jalandhar

The case came to light when Mukul Garg, represented by his lawyers Pratham Sethi and Pranshul Dhul, approached the High Court, alleging that his fiancée had been brutally assaulted by the police during questioning in a fraud case, leading to her untimely death. The incident took place at the Jalandhar Police Station, where Ramandeep Kaur was held in custody before her tragic demise.

Controversy Surrounding the Investigation

Initially, the local police closed the case, ruling it as a suicide. This decision sparked immediate outrage and demands for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ramandeep Kaur’s death. The High Court intervened and ordered the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the matter. However, discrepancies emerged in the SIT’s findings, raising doubts about the integrity of their investigation.

One crucial piece of evidence, a knife reportedly found on the deceased, went missing after being handed over to ASI Sukhdev Singh. Despite the significance of this item to the case, no follow-up inquiry was conducted into its disappearance, further complicating the investigation.

High Court Directs CBI to Take Over

Recognizing the shortcomings in the SIT’s report and the need for an impartial investigation to uphold public trust in the legal system, the High Court intervened once again. On March 11, 2024, the court instructed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to assume control of the case and submit their findings within three months. This decision marked a turning point in the quest for justice in the tragic custodial death of Ramandeep Kaur.

The incident in Jalandhar and the subsequent legal battle have brought to light the importance of transparency and accountability in law enforcement agencies. The Supreme Court’s ruling to uphold the CBI investigation underscores the commitment to uncovering the truth and ensuring justice for the victims of police misconduct.

As the investigation continues under the CBI’s jurisdiction, the hope for closure and accountability remains strong among the family and supporters of Ramandeep Kaur. The case serves as a stark reminder of the need for thorough and impartial investigations into allegations of police brutality and custodial deaths, emphasizing the importance of upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of all individuals.