The Patna High Court has ordered the CBI to investigate the custodial disappearance of Sanoj Kumar, who went missing after being detained by Excise Police in Bihar’s Bhojpur district in August 2025. Justices Rajeev Ranjan Prasad and Alok Kumar Sinha cited significant bias and lack of urgency in the local police investigation. The central agency must submit an action-taken report by September 11, 2026.
The Patna High Court has directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to take over the investigation into the disappearance of Sanoj Kumar, a resident of Bihar's Bhojpur district. Sanoj Kumar, a centring mason, went missing in August 2025 following his detention by local Excise Police officials. The court’s order, issued by a bench comprising Justices Rajeev Ranjan Prasad and Alok Kumar Sinha, follows a review of the state police’s handling of the case. While this event does not impact listed stocks directly, it serves as a significant update on governance and legal accountability in the region.
Court Cites Flaws in Police Investigation
In its detailed order, the High Court expressed strong dissatisfaction with the investigation conducted by the local police. The bench highlighted a clear lack of urgency and potential bias, noting that the official narrative—which suggested the individual had escaped from a moving vehicle—contained significant inconsistencies. The court emphasized that the credibility of the state investigating agency was at stake due to these unresolved discrepancies.
The judges noted that several Excise Police officials were named as suspects in the original First Information Report (FIR). The court specifically pointed out that certain Assistant Sub-Inspectors were in a position to influence the inquiry, raising concerns about the integrity of the evidence gathering process. The transfer to the CBI is intended to ensure an independent and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the disappearance.
Timeline and Case Background
Sanoj Kumar was last seen on August 13, 2025, when he informed his family that he had been detained for alleged liquor consumption. His family lost contact shortly after he reported that he was being beaten while in custody. A missing person report was filed by his father the following day, yet the local police response was flagged by the court as inadequate and lacking the necessary focus required for a case of this nature.
The CBI has been directed to constitute a team of experienced officers to handle the case. The agency is now empowered to question the officials involved in the initial investigation. The court has scheduled the next review of the matter, with the CBI required to submit an action-taken report by September 11, 2026.