Archive · 23 Jul 2026
Supreme Court Orders FIR, SIT Probe in Custodial Death Case
The Supreme Court has ordered the Gujarat government to register an FIR and conduct a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the death of a 70-year-old man, Zahiruddin Shaikh, who died in police custody.
Shaikh was arrested for an alleged cow slaughter case and his family claims he was tortured in custody.
The Supreme Court's decision came after the Gujarat High Court declined to order an FIR, citing legal limitations.
The Court directed the Ahmedabad Police Commissioner to provide security to the victim's family and ordered the SIT to file a final report within three months.
The family alleges that police personnel administered a fatal overdose of diabetes pills to Shaikh and that he made dying declarations naming the police personnel involved.
The Supreme Court's intervention highlights the importance of a thorough investigation into custodial deaths to ensure justice and accountability.
The Supreme Court ordered the Gujarat government to register an FIR and conduct an SIT probe into the custodial death of Zahiruddin Shaikh.
Shaikh was arrested on May 18 for an alleged cow slaughter case and died in police custody on May 19.
The victim's family alleges that Shaikh was tortured in custody and made dying declarations naming police personnel.
The Gujarat High Court had declined to order an FIR, citing legal limitations and the need for a preliminary inquiry.
The Supreme Court directed the SIT to file a final report within three months and provided security to the victim's family.
- Who
- Zahiruddin Shaikh, a 70-year-old man, and his family
- What
- Alleged custodial death and subsequent legal proceedings
- When
- Arrest on May 18, death on May 19, Supreme Court directive on an unspecified date in July
- Where
- Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
- Why
- To investigate the alleged custodial death and ensure justice for the victim's family
Petitioner's Family
Gujarat Government and Police
Registration of FIR
Petitioner's Family
The family insists on an FIR being registered, citing the victim's dying declaration and alleged police misconduct.
Gujarat Government and Police
The Gujarat government and police argue for a preliminary inquiry instead of an FIR, citing a magisterial inquiry and autopsy findings.
Investigation Process
Petitioner's Family
The family demands a thorough investigation by an independent SIT to ensure justice.
Gujarat Government and Police
The government and police propose a preliminary inquiry and magisterial investigation, questioning the need for an SIT.
- Victim's Name
- Zahiruddin Shaikh
- Date of Arrest
- May 18
- Date of Death
- May 19
- Police Station
- Vejalpur Police Station, Ahmedabad
- Court's Directive
- Registration of FIR and SIT probe
- Petitioner
- Tofik, son of Zahiruddin Shaikh
- Supreme Court Bench
- Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, Justice V Mohana