The Supreme Court has ordered a special investigation into the death of a Turkmenistan citizen, finding that Uttar Pradesh police handled the case in a “slipshod” and inadequate manner.
Najmudinova Muhabbat’s body was found in a Meerut field with corrosive injuries to her face. Police delayed registering a murder case and conducting the post-mortem examination, then cremated her as a Hindu before confirming her identity. Her ashes were not preserved.
The bench said visible mutilation should have prompted immediate evidence collection and registration of the case. It directed the state police chief to create a special investigation team led by an officer of at least additional superintendent rank. The team must report to the competent court within two months.
Preserved tissue, a tooth, bone and hair must be handed to Muhabbat’s mother under a witnessed memorandum. Indian authorities were also asked to coordinate with Turkmenistan’s embassy to assist her return with the remains.
