New Delhi, July 19, 2025
In a strong move underscoring judicial scrutiny over criminal investigations, the Supreme Court has directed the Investigating Officer (IO) in a sensational murder case from Uttarakhand to personally appear before the court, carrying with him the entire investigation record and CCTV footage crucial to the matter.
This directive comes amid allegations that vital evidence including visual proof from security cameras was either downplayed or ignored during the grant of bail to one of the key accused.
The Murder Case That Triggered National Attention
The case pertains to a gruesome killing reported from Raipur in Dehradun, where a young man was allegedly beaten to death by a group of individuals in late 2024. Though seven names were mentioned in the FIR, controversy arose when Priyanshu Chauhan, not originally named, was granted bail by the Uttarakhand High Court in May 2025.
The victim’s family later claimed that CCTV footage clearly identified Chauhan at the scene, yet the evidence was allegedly overlooked.
Taking a serious view of these allegations, the Supreme Court, while hearing a special leave petition, asked:
“Where is the footage if the allegations are so specific? Let the Investigating Officer come and show us.”
A Bench of Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice R. Mahadevan ordered the IO to personally attend the next hearing and bring along:
• Full investigation records
• Original and recorded CCTV footage linked to the scene of the crime
Why This Matters
This isn’t just a procedural summons. It’s a clear message from the country’s top court that:
• Transparency in investigations is non-negotiable
• Courts are ready to examine raw evidence first-hand
• Police officials will be personally held accountable if material facts are suppressed or mishandled
The directive reflects rising judicial concern over the increasing misuse or selective use of evidence in trial courts and bail hearings.
What’s Next?
The case is now set for a critical hearing on August 8, 2025, when the Court will review the CCTV footage and assess whether the High Court’s bail order should be revisited.
Depending on what the footage reveals, this may:
• Reopen the bail question for Priyanshu Chauhan
• Lead to further directions against the investigating team
• Set a precedent for how courts handle visual evidence in criminal proceedings
• Case Title: Aman Joshi v. State of Uttarakhand & Anr.
