Maharashtra Police Forms SIT To Probe 2007 Custodial Death

The Maharashtra Police has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to conduct a fresh probe into the alleged custodial death of Pardhi community social worker Suman Kale in 2007. The SIT was constituted on August 13, nearly two decades after Kale's death, and almost two months after Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ordered an independent investigation into the case.

The SIT will be headed by Sudhir Hiremath, Special Inspector General of Police, Crime-West, CID, Maharashtra, Pune, and supervised by Pravin Salunke, Additional Director General of Police, Highway Security, Maharashtra, Mumbai. The team has been directed to complete the investigation into the criminal case as well as the inquiry into all applications and matters concerning Kale's death within three months and submit its report to the concerned office.

Kale, a member of the Pardhi community, was allegedly picked up by the Shrirampur police in May 2007 in connection with a suspected gold robbery. Her family has alleged that she was illegally detained between May 12 and May 14, 2007, and subjected to severe physical and mental torture. The family has disputed the initial police version that Kale had consumed poison and died by suicide.

The family has been pursuing the case for nearly two decades, seeking an independent investigation into allegations of custodial torture and murder. A murder case was eventually registered against the concerned police personnel, and the family has further alleged that medical records were fabricated to protect the accused police officers and the treating doctor.

The constitution of the SIT comes after a delegation led by Padma Shri awardee and social activist Girish Prabhune met Fadnavis along with Kale's family members and activists. The delegation had sought an independent probe and stringent action against those responsible. Fadnavis had also directed that stringent provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act be invoked against the accused police personnel.

The case has been pending for nearly two decades, with the family and activists seeking justice for Kale's alleged custodial death. The formation of the SIT is a significant development in the case, and the family and activists are hoping for a thorough and impartial investigation.

The Pardhi community has been facing social and economic marginalization for decades, and the alleged custodial death of Kale has highlighted the need for greater protection and justice for the community. The case has also raised questions about police accountability and the need for independent investigations into allegations of custodial torture and murder.

The investigation into Kale's death is expected to be completed within three months, and the report will be submitted to the concerned office. The family and activists are hoping that the SIT will conduct a thorough and impartial investigation and bring those responsible to justice.

The case has significant implications for the Pardhi community and the wider issue of police accountability in Maharashtra. The formation of the SIT is a step towards ensuring justice for Kale's family and the community, and it is hoped that the investigation will be thorough and impartial.

In conclusion, the formation of the SIT to investigate the alleged custodial death of Suman Kale is a significant development in the case. The family and activists are hoping for a thorough and impartial investigation, and the case has highlighted the need for greater protection and justice for the Pardhi community. The investigation is expected to be completed within three months, and the report will be submitted to the concerned office.