The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has announced a cash reward of ₹2 lakh each for information on fugitive Madhya Pradesh police officers Sanjit Singh Mavai and Uttam Singh Kushwaha. The two are wanted in connection with the custodial death of 24-year-old Deva Pardhi at Myana police station in Guna district.
At the time of the incident, Mavai was posted as a town inspector and Kushwaha as an assistant sub-inspector. Pardhi had been detained on theft charges and later died under suspicious circumstances in custody. While the family alleged torture, police claimed he died of a heart attack.
The CBI has already charge-sheeted Sub-Inspector Devraj Singh Parihar, Town Inspector Zubair Khan, and a private individual. However, Mavai and Kushwaha remain absconding. Both have been declared proclaimed offenders, and non-bailable warrants have been issued.
On Tuesday, the Supreme Court criticised the CBI for failing to arrest the accused despite earlier directions. The bench, comprising Justices B V Nagarathna and R Mahadevan, ordered their arrest within a month and stressed ensuring the safety of Gangaram, Pardhi&rsquo;s uncle and the sole eyewitness, who is currently in judicial custody.
The case has sparked fresh debate over custodial deaths and the accountability of law enforcement officers in India.

CBI announces cash reward to trace absconding MP police officers in Deva Pardhi case

CBI Offers Reward in Guna Custodial Death

CBI announces cash reward to trace absconding MP police officers in Deva Pardhi case

September 25, 2025 | 10:26 IST