Overview
- At a Sept. 25 hearing, the bench questioned why two accused officers were suspended only on Sept. 24 despite being absent since April and said the delay suggested protection, calling it aggravated contempt of its May 15 order.
- The court re‑added Madhya Pradesh as a respondent, sought explanations from the state and its home secretary on Friday, and indicated it could summon the Chief Secretary over continued salary payments to the absconding officers.
- CBI said it traced finances, monitored vehicles at tolls, and reviewed social media and surveillance, but the judges called the efforts eyewash and pressed for more stringent steps.
- Inspector Sanjit Singh Mavai and ASI Uttam Singh Kushwaha remain untraced despite non‑bailable warrants and proclaimed‑offender status; the CBI announced rewards of ₹2 lakh each on Sept. 24 for credible leads.
- CBI has arrested three persons and filed a chargesheet on Sept. 15, while the court warned officials to ensure the safety of sole eyewitness Gangaram Pardhi as the family alleges custodial torture and police maintain the death was a heart attack.