Wed Oct 08 06:53:34 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and rewritten news article based on the provided text:
**Summary:**
The Supreme Court of India has expressed strong disapproval of the delay by the CBI and the Madhya Pradesh government in arresting two police officers implicated in the custodial death of a 24-year-old man. Despite a previous order in May, the officers remained at large until recently, prompting the court to threaten contempt charges. The court has demanded an explanation for the delay and details of departmental action taken against the officers. The case, involving allegations of custodial torture and governmental inaction, is ongoing.
**News Article:**
**Supreme Court Slams Delay in Arrest of Cops in Custodial Death Case, Threatens Contempt**
**New Delhi – October 8, 2025:** The Supreme Court of India today sharply criticized both the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Madhya Pradesh government for their significant delay in arresting two police officers accused of involvement in the custodial death of a 24-year-old man. The strongly worded rebuke came despite the CBI’s confirmation that the officers have now been apprehended.
A Bench of Justices B.V. Nagarathna and R. Mahadevan questioned why the officers, Uttam Singh and Sanjeev Singh, remained at large for months despite a clear court order issued on May 15, 2025, demanding their arrest. Uttam Singh was arrested in Indore on September 27, 2025 while, Sanjeev Singh was taken into custody in Shivpuri on October 5, 2025.
“What happened all these days? Why couldn’t you trace them? We have to almost frame contempt charges for you to act. This is not how a Supreme Court order should be applied,” the Bench stated, highlighting the perceived lack of urgency in the case.
The court also inquired about any departmental action taken against the accused officers, particularly in light of their attempt to seek anticipatory bail despite the explicit arrest order.
The case stems from a contempt plea filed by the victim’s mother, alleging non-compliance with the May 15th order. In May, the Supreme Court had already reprimanded the Madhya Pradesh government for its failure to act against the implicated officers, leading to the transfer of the investigation to the CBI. The court had earlier expressed dismay at the delay in suspending the officers, who had been absconding since April.
Additional Solicitor General Raja Thakare, representing the CBI, assured the court that its order had been complied with.
The case is scheduled for further hearing on November 6, 2025, where the State government is expected to provide details on the departmental action taken against the officers. The Supreme Court’s firm stance underscores its commitment to ensuring accountability in cases of alleged custodial abuse and governmental negligence.