Police Probe Under Scrutiny After Sanju Tripathi Murder Acquittals
Bilaspur, 30 October 2026. A court verdict in the Sanju Tripathi murder case of Chhattisgarh has taken an unexpected turn. The district and sessions court has acquitted all 22 accused, including Kapil Tripathi, who had been described by the police as the principal conspirator. The judgment has placed the police investigation and the prosecution's case under close examination.
The case relates to a daylight shooting that took place nearly four years ago. Despite the police narrative of a planned killing, the court found that the prosecution could not prove the accusations against the accused.
Daylight shooting on the Sakri Bypass
On 14 December 2022, Pranath alias Sanju Tripathi was killed in a shooting near the mineral barrier on the Sakri Bypass in Bilaspur. The assailants fired at him on the road in full view of people. The crime drew wide public and media attention across the state.
Sanju Tripathi was known as a Congress leader and a history-sheeter. The Sakri police registered a murder case and initiated an inquiry. Early findings pointed to a family dispute and tension over property.
Allegations against the younger brother
The police investigation prominently named Kapil Tripathi, the younger brother of the deceased. According to the police, the two brothers had a long-running dispute over property, which allegedly led to the planning of the murder.
The police further alleged that shooters and other associates were used to carry out the killing. As the probe advanced, several individuals were linked to the crime, and in total 22 persons were booked as accused.
Four years later, a verdict that changes the picture
After the police action, the case moved to court and the prosecution led its evidence. During the trial, however, doubts were raised about the investigation and the evidence presented. Once the hearing was complete, the court acquitted Kapil Tripathi along with all other accused, giving them major legal relief.
The outcome has renewed the debate over how the investigation of this high-profile case was conducted.
The larger questions
The key question is why a case built on allegations of family dispute, conspiracy and the involvement of shooters did not reach conviction. The detailed order of the court is expected to show which evidence was found lacking, which weaknesses were identified in the investigation, and which prosecution arguments were not accepted.
For the time being, the release of all 22 accused has placed the police investigation and the preparation of the prosecution under serious scrutiny.