A Delhi court on Tuesday ordered a high-level CBI inquiry after finding prima facie evidence that accused Prabhat Kumar suffered injuries while in agency custody. The order came in a case linked to a multi-crore counterfeit medicine probe.
Special Judge Sushant Changotra of Rouse Avenue Court directed the CBI to examine the role of officials and supervisors during Kumar’s custody. Kumar was arrested on June 16 and remanded to CBI custody the next day. Medical records from June 19 and 20 showed a thigh contusion and blood clots in his left ear.
The judge stated that the agency cannot assume the dual role of investigator and punisher. “Punishment for any criminal act can only be imposed by a competent court after due process of law,” the order said. The court also criticised the freezing of the bank accounts of Kumar’s father-in-law without clear links to crime proceeds.
Kumar had alleged beatings during custody. The court directed his medical examination at Safdarjung Hospital and a comprehensive inquiry into the allegations of custodial violence.
