The Bombay High Court recently issued a significant ruling in the high-profile case surrounding the alleged custodial death of Anuj Thapan. The court ordered the removal of Bollywood actor Salman Khan’s name from a petition filed by Thapan’s mother, Rita Devi, who is seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into her son’s death. Thapan was implicated in a case involving a shooting outside Salman Khan’s residence, leading to his arrest and subsequent death in custody. This decision by the court aims to focus the investigation on the pertinent issues while eliminating unnecessary parties from the legal proceedings. Also Read- Stree 2: CBFC Approves Two Teasers of Rajkummar Rao-Shraddha Kapoor Starrer; Set to Hit Cinemas This Friday; Read to More to Know Full Details!
Bombay High Court Orders Removal of Salman Khan’s Name from Custodial Death Petition:
The Bombay High Court has directed the removal of actor Salman Khan’s name from a petition that seeks a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the alleged custodial death of Anuj Thapan. The petition, filed by Thapan’s mother Rita Devi, raised allegations of foul play surrounding her son’s death and requested a thorough investigation by the CBI. Thapan, who was accused of supplying weapons in the case involving a shooting outside Salman Khan’s residence, was found dead in a police lock-up toilet on May 1.
Incident Background:
The case dates back to April 14 when two shooters opened fire outside Salman Khan’s house. The incident caused significant media attention and led to the eventual arrest of the shooters. Subsequently, Anuj Thapan was arrested in Punjab on April 26, accused of supplying the weapons used in the shooting. Thapan’s sudden death in police custody on May 1 has since sparked controversy and allegations of police brutality. His mother, Rita Devi, filed a petition on May 3, seeking a CBI investigation into the circumstances surrounding her son’s death.
Court’s Reasoning for Removing Salman Khan’s Name:
A division bench of Justices Revati Mohite-Dere and Shyam Chandak reviewed the petition and ordered the removal of Salman Khan’s name. The court pointed out that the petition did not seek any specific relief from Salman Khan and there were no allegations against him that warranted his inclusion as a respondent. The judges stated, “He is not a necessary party,” emphasizing that Khan’s involvement was irrelevant to the core issue of the petition, which is the investigation into Thapan’s death.
Petitioner’s Argument and Court’s Response:
Rita Devi’s lawyer argued that although no direct relief was sought from Salman Khan, his inclusion was pertinent to the ongoing Crime Investigation Department (CID) probe. The lawyer suggested that Khan’s involvement might provide context or additional insight into the broader investigation. However, the court disagreed, stating that the determination of who should be part of the investigation lies with the CID. The judges advised the petitioner’s lawyer to concentrate on the central issue of the petition – the alleged custodial death of Anuj Thapan – and not to deviate by including unnecessary parties.
Current Status of the Case:
The Bombay High Court has taken steps to ensure that the investigation into Thapan’s death continues without unnecessary distractions. The court directed the magistrate to issue a fresh summons to Rita Devi for the purpose of recording her statement. The ongoing CID investigation will proceed to uncover the facts surrounding Thapan’s death, with the primary focus being on potential misconduct or foul play by the police. Also Read- Salman Khan Gears Up to Commence Filming for “Sikandar” on June 18, Kicking Off With an Exciting Aerial Action Sequence! Read More to Get Full Details
Broader Implications:
This directive by the Bombay High Court underscores the judiciary’s intent to streamline legal processes and avoid the inclusion of irrelevant parties in serious investigations. By removing Salman Khan’s name, the court has clarified that the focus should remain on the alleged custodial death and ensuring a thorough and unbiased investigation. This move also highlights the court’s recognition of the need to avoid sensationalism and keep legal proceedings grounded in factual and relevant matters.
The case continues to unfold, with the CID investigation expected to shed light on the events leading up to Anuj Thapan’s death. Meanwhile, the court’s decision serves as a reminder of the importance of precision and relevance in legal petitions, particularly those involving high-profile individuals and serious allegations.
