New Delhi, Monday, August 09, 2010: The Supreme Court today backed the Kerala High Court’s verdict, pronouncing a CBI probe in to the custodial death of Sampath, the prime accused in the Puthur Sheela murder case. The CBI took over the custodial death case of Sampath on the basis of the High Court’s verdict.

The Supreme Court rejected the plea submitted by the State government questioning a CBI probe into the custodial death case. The SC questioned the government and enquired why they fear a CBI probe in to the case. Court observed that the verdict pronounced by the HC Single bench and division bench were sincere and credible.

SC informed that the involvement of the higher officials of the State police in the custodial death case was evident and was pin pointed by the High Court, informed SC. With this SC verdict the State police would be forced to hand over the details of the case to the CBI. The CBI had earlier approached the Court questioning the delay caused in the handing over of the case details.

Earlier report

CBI probe into the custodial death of Sampath was pronounced by Justice Ramkumar. He also advised that the probe on Sheela’s murder by the state police shouldn’t be affected by the CBI’s investigation of the custodial death.

The State government in an explanation to the High Court had informed the High Court that there is no need for CBI probe in the custodial death of Sampath, the first accused in Puthur Sheela murder. The police investigation is progressing in the right direction and therefore such a CBI probe at this stage is not necessary in the case.

The Prosecution Director General has also made it clear in the Court that if there is more evidence in possession of the petitioners, further investigation would be done based on it. The Court had earlier on Wednesday while considering the plea of Murukesh (Sampath’s brother), observed that the CBI probe would be appropriate in the case.

Justice V. Ram Kumar had also opined that in this case a fair probe from the side of police couldn’t be expected.