A CJI-led Supreme Court bench on Friday ordered the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the alleged abetment of suicide of an Adivasi man, in which a former Madhya Pradesh Home Minister has been named by the deceased’s wife.

The Court noted that the local police had failed to conduct an impartial and effective investigation into FIR registered at Maloum Police Station under Section 306 IPC and the SC/ST Act.

Observing that the deceased’s wife and brother had given contradictory versions of events, and that delay could lead to destruction of evidence or witness influence, the bench directed that a three-member SIT headed by an IPS officer from outside Madhya Pradesh be constituted within two days. The SIT will take over all connected FIRs, ensure witness protection, and complete the investigation preferably within one month.

The Court also permitted the SIT to seek leave for custodial interrogation if substantial incriminating material emerges.