Bombay HC directs removal of Salman Khan’s name from custodial death plea

The Bombay High Court has ordered the removal of actor Salman Khan's name from a petition seeking a CBI probe into the alleged custodial death of Anuj Thapan. For the unversed, Anuj, accused of supplying weapons in the case involving the firing outside Salman Khan's house, was found dead in a police lock-up toilet on May 1. His mother, Rita Devi, filed a petition in the High Court on May 3, alleging foul play and requesting a CBI investigation into her son's death. She had included Salman Khan as a respondent in the plea.


Court's reasoning for removing Salman Khan's name
A division bench of Justices Revati Mohite-Dere and Justice Shyam Chandak directed Ms. Devi to remove the actor's name. The court pointed out that the petition did not seek any relief from Mr. Khan and there were no allegations against him.  They stated, "He is not a necessary party." The court stated that Ms. Devi's concern is the death of her son, and the investigation into that will proceed.
Petitioner's argument and court's response
Ms. Devi's lawyer argued that while no relief was sought from Salman Khan, he should still be part of the ongoing CID probe. The court, however, responded that the decision of who to include in the investigation rests with the CID. They advised the petitioner's lawyer to focus on the core issue - her son's death - and avoid unnecessary digressions.
Background of the case
On April 14, two shooters opened fire outside Salman Khan's residence. They were later arrested. Thapan was then arrested in Punjab on April 26, accused of supplying weapons to the shooters. His death in custody on May 1 sparked controversy, with his mother alleging police brutality.
Current status of case
The court has directed the magistrate to issue a fresh summons to Ms. Devi to record her statement. The CID investigation into Thapan's death is ongoing.

Also Read: When Salman Khan yelled Shah Rukh Khan’s name while he cycled past Mannat


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