Former Home Minister’s role to be investigated in Tribal suicide-case:SC directs formation of Special Investigation Team within 48 hours after wife’s harassment claims

The Supreme Court has directed a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the high-profile Nilesh Adivasi suicide case from Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, including the role of former state Home Minister Bhupendra Singh. The court emphasised that the circumstances demand a “fair and independent” investigation, which cannot be expected from the local police. The apex court, while issuing directions on Thursday, instructed that the SIT be constituted within two days. It will take over FIR 329/2025 and all related records, begin investigations immediately, and complete the probe within one month. The court also warned against influencing any witnesses, including Nilesh’s wife, Revabai, and prohibited any harassment of Nilesh’s brother, Neeraj Adivasi, or other family members. SIT composition The Supreme Court specified that the SIT head should be a Senior Superintendent-ranked IPS officer directly recruited from outside the Madhya Pradesh cadre. The second member must be a young IPS officer with no local ties to the state, while the third should be a female officer above the rank of Deputy Superintendent. Allegations of harassment Nilesh Adivasi, 42, allegedly committed suicide by hanging at his home in Malthon town on July 25, 2025. His wife, Revabai Adivasi, has accused the former Home Minister and his associates of harassment, claiming it drove her husband to take his life. She approached the local police on July 27 and August 3 after no action was taken, and subsequently moved the High Court and then the Supreme Court. Nilesh’s brother, Neeraj Adivasi, meanwhile, implicated local BJP leader Govind Singh Rajput and others in his statement to the police. When a case was registered against Rajput, he filed a bail petition, which is now being heard alongside Revabai’s plea in the Supreme Court. Supreme Court grants interim relief on arrest of Govind Singh Rajput The Supreme Court has granted temporary relief to Govind Singh Rajput, staying his arrest in light of the statements and circumstances presented. The apex court clarified that if the Special Investigation Team (SIT) uncovers any seriously objectionable material, it may approach the Supreme Court for permission to conduct custodial interrogation. The court also directed the Madhya Pradesh High Court to expedite the hearing of Rewabai’s writ petition (No. 31491/2025), taking this order into account.