Summary: The Delhi High Court has ordered the CBI to investigate the death of Arnav Duggal, a 23-year-old who died under suspicious circumstances in Dwarka, Delhi. The court found many problems with the previous investigations by local police and the special investigation team, prompting the transfer.
On June 13, 2017, Arnav Duggal was found dead at the home of Megha Tiwary in Dwarka, Delhi. Initially labeled a suicide, Arnav’s mother, Anu Duggal, disagreed with this claim, suggesting something suspicious happened. The case was filled with investigative mistakes, leading to Anu Duggal’s request for a CBI investigation.
Police Actions: The local police recorded the case as a suicide and were criticized for not filing a formal report initially. It took a court order on February 17, 2018, to officially record it as a murder case.
Judge’s Observations: Justice Tushar Rao Gedela pointed out problems in the investigation, like the condition of the ceiling fan from which Arnav supposedly hanged himself. Photos showed the fan covered in dust and cobwebs, which didn't match the suicide story.
"The court finds the investigation lacks honesty and seems to have been done with a narrow view."
Phone Tampering: Arnav’s and Megha’s phones were taken by the police late, and there were signs that someone messed with them while in police custody.
Evidence Handling: The ceiling fan, an important piece of evidence, was not taken by the police. Megha’s father later sold it as scrap.
Witness Testimonies: There were inconsistencies in witness statements, especially about the timeline and nature of events leading to Arnav’s death, which were not properly addressed.
The court found the investigation by the Delhi Police and the special investigation team lacking, noting a lack of fairness and thoroughness. Justice Gedela emphasized the need for a new investigation to ensure justice.
"It is never too late to search for truth."
The CBI is tasked with re-investigating the case, focusing on all evidence and issues noted in the previous investigations. The court directed the police to cooperate fully with the CBI.
The court has decided that the CBI will take over the investigation to ensure a fair and complete examination of the case, aiming to uncover the truth behind Arnav Duggal’s tragic death.
