The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a fresh First Information Report in the case of Disha Salian, who died while in judicial custody last year, introducing additional charges that include gang rape and murder. The move signals a significant escalation in the probe, which has been scrutinized heavily due to the circumstances surrounding the young woman's death.
Disha Salian, a young professional, was booked in connection with a separate case and remained in custody at a Delhi jail when she died. Her death triggered widespread public outrage and questions about the safety protocols for undertrials and convicts held in government facilities. The initial inquiry pointed toward custodial violence, and the CBI took suo motu cognizance of the matter to ensure an independent investigation away from local authorities.
Sources close to the probe confirmed that the newly registered FIR brings charges under Section 302 (murder), Section 376E (gang rape punishable with death or life imprisonment), and several other relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code against persons identified during the preliminary inquiry. The exact identities of the accused have not been made public yet, as the investigation is still in its early stages.
Legal experts say that the addition of a murder and gang rape charge is a serious development, indicating that investigators now believe there may be credible evidence pointing toward intentional homicide rather than suicide or accidental death. However, defense advocates cautioned that until formal charge sheets are filed and evidence is presented in court, the allegations remain unproven.
The Ministry of Home Affairs and the Delhi government have faced intense pressure to address systemic failures in prison and lockup management. Several committees have been constituted, and the government has announced plans to install better surveillance and complaint mechanisms in custodial homes.
Human rights organizations have welcomed the CBI's decision to pursue a comprehensive probe but stressed that accountability must follow regardless of the outcome. A public hearing on custodial deaths has also been sought in the Delhi High Court, which is expected to be heard in the coming weeks.
