Supreme Court to Review CBI's Challenge in Udayakumar Custodial Death Case

The Supreme Court on Friday consented to hear a plea from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) that challenges the Kerala High Court's decision to overturn the conviction of four individuals. The case revolves around the 2005 custodial death of Udayakumar, a 28-year-old, allegedly tortured by police officers.

Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta issued a notice to the accused, requesting their responses, and have scheduled a hearing for May 19. The CBI contends that the high court's 2025 verdict dismissing the trial court's convictions ignored significant evidence.

Udayakumar's arrest in Thiruvananthapuram resulted in alleged police abuse and his subsequent death, with a post-mortem citing severe injuries. The prosecution argued these were due to police torture. However, the high court identified contradictions and flaws in the investigation, leading to their decision to acquit the accused.