New Delhi, March 12 -- The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to conduct a preliminary inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death of Anjana Ahirwar, a young Dalit woman from Madhya Pradesh whose mysterious death in May 2024 triggered allegations of foul play and an alleged cover-up by local authorities.

A bench of justices MM Sundresh and N Kotiswar Singh said an independent probe was necessary to ensure that the circumstances of the death were properly examined.

"We direct the CBI to conduct a preliminary inquiry into the circumstances of the death of the young woman. Needless to say that if the offence is made out, the CBI will register a regular case and proceed accordingly. The pr...