Supreme Court Intervenes: Maoist Commander's Body Ordered Preserved Amidst Encounter Controversy

The Supreme Court has stepped into a highly contentious legal battle, issuing a crucial directive to the Maharashtra government: preserve the body of top Maoist commander Milind Teltumbde, who was reportedly killed in a police encounter. This order comes amidst grave allegations of a fake encounter and a pressing demand from Teltumbde's brother for a fresh post-mortem examination.

A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and K V Viswanathan underscored the gravity of the situation, stating, "It's a very serious matter.

We can't let a body be disposed of if there is a claim of a fake encounter." The apex court's intervention provides a significant reprieve to Surendra Teltumbde, Milind's brother, who has been tirelessly seeking justice and transparency regarding his sibling's death.

Milind Teltumbde, a central committee member of the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist) and a key accused in the infamous Bhima Koregaon case, was among 26 Maoists reportedly killed by the police's C-60 commando unit in an encounter in the Mardintola forest area of Gadchiroli district in November 2021.

The Maharashtra government had previously been directed by the Supreme Court to file a detailed affidavit outlining the circumstances of the encounter.

Surendra Teltumbde's plea before the Supreme Court challenged a Bombay High Court order that had denied his request to hand over his brother's body for a re-post-mortem.

The High Court had instead dismissed his petition, stating it was "not inclined to grant the prayers." This refusal prompted the family to escalate the matter to the highest judicial authority.

The petitioner, represented by his legal counsel, passionately argued that the encounter was highly suspicious, suggesting it might have been orchestrated.

He highlighted a crucial point: while Milind Teltumbde's body was not handed over, the body of another Maoist killed in the same encounter, Hemlata alias Manjula, was swiftly cremated without the family's consent, raising further questions about transparency and due process. The request for a second post-mortem was deemed essential to ascertain the true cause and nature of death, dispelling any doubts of foul play.

The Supreme Court's order is a pivotal moment, halting the potential disposal of Teltumbde's remains and ensuring that crucial evidence is preserved.

The bench has demanded a copy of the original post-mortem report, inquest panchnama, and all other relevant documents pertaining to the encounter. This move signals the judiciary's commitment to thoroughly scrutinize encounter killings, particularly when allegations of extra-judicial actions are raised, upholding the principles of justice and accountability in a democratic society.