**CBI Initiates Probe into 2020 Palghar Lynching of Two Sadhus and Their Driver**
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has launched a fresh investigation into the lynching of two sadhus and their driver by a large mob in Palghar in 2020. This development comes after the state government requested the probe, leading to the registration of new cases by the Special Task Branch of the CBI on September 11.
### Consent from Maharashtra Government
According to the CBI, the investigation was authorized following the consent of the Government of Maharashtra, as per a notification dated February 6, 2024. The probe pertains to the criminal case registered at Kasa Police Station involving the assault on Sushil Giri Maharaj, Chikne Maharaj Kalpruksh Giri—both sadhus—and their driver Nilesh Telgade. The victims were traveling by car to Surat near Gadchinchale village, close to Chaukipada in Palghar, when the attack occurred.
### Mob Violence and Attack on Police
The mob brutally lynched the three individuals to death. Police officers who attempted to intervene and stop the violence were also attacked. The crowd—armed with stones, lathis, and other weapons—injured several policemen during the incident.
### Three Separate FIRs Registered
The CBI has registered three separate FIRs based on complaints lodged by:
– Bhagwat Sonawane, Sub-divisional Police Officer/DYSP, Jawhar Division, Palghar
– Anandrao Kale, Assistant Police Inspector, Kasa Police Station
– Sudhir Katare, Police Sub-Inspector, Kasa Police Station
The accused have been charged with multiple offenses including assault and lynching by a mob resulting in death, use of weapons causing property damage, abetment, conspiracy, assault and attempted murder of public servants, and various acts hindering public servants from performing their duties.
### Details of the April 2020 Incident
On April 16, 2020, local authorities received information that a mob of 400 to 500 people had blocked three individuals at the forest check post in Gadchinchale, Chowkipada. A police team arrived at the scene, extracted the three from a vehicle, and was transferring them to a government vehicle.
One of the men explained that they resided in Nashik and were traveling to attend the funeral of a guru. While en route from Saivan to Dadra Nagar Haveli Road, the crowd stopped them, accusing them of being thieves rather than sadhus.
As the police seated the three in the government vehicle, the mob of hundreds began shouting and pelting stones. The violent crowd demanded the police hand over the men to them. Despite police efforts, the mob brutally killed the men, kicking and striking them with stones and causing fatal head injuries. The police team was also attacked during the chaos.
### Earlier CID Investigation
Initially, the Palghar police investigated the case before the State Crime Investigation Department (CID) took over. The CID arrested approximately 250 individuals and filed chargesheets.
The incident sparked controversy and allegations from the opposition, then led by current Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, accusing the state government of mismanaging the investigation. There were calls to transfer the case from the state police to the CBI, a demand that has now been acted upon.
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This renewed investigation by the CBI aims to bring further clarity and justice in the tragic lynching case, underscoring the commitment to uphold the rule of law and ensure accountability.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/cbi-launches-probe-into-2020-palghar-lynching-of-two-sadhus-and-driver
