Sonali Phogat death: CBI to take over probe, family welcomes Centre's move

In a fresh development, the Centre has recommended a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the death of BJP leader and actor Sonali Phogat. Her family has welcomed the Centre’s move.

The Union Home Ministry on Monday handed over the case to the CBI after Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant recommended it in a letter earlier on Monday. Phogat’s death remains mired in controversy since Aug 23.

So far, Sonali’s aides Sudhir Sangwan and Sukhwinder Singh and three others have been arrested in connection with the case. Phogat, 42, died on the intervening night of Aug 22 and 23 in Goa. The police initially registered a case of accidental death, however the family alleged foul play into her death demanding CBI probe

“Our family has been demanding a CBI investigation in this matter right from the start". The family suspects a "conspiracy" behind her death and only a CBI probe can bring the truth out”, said Rinku Dhaka, Sonali’s brother.

Besides, On Sept 11, members of 35 Khap Panchayats from Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh came together to support demands of Phogat’s family.

Phogat’s family’s claims fell in line with the autopsy report that mentioned blunt injury marks on her body two days after her death.

It was then the police began to investigate the alleged murder of Phogat. During investigation a shocking CCTV footage from Goa’s Curlies restaurant hinted at foul play. The footage showed Sonali staggering out of the pub holding onto one of her aides. She was declared dead hours later at a hospital.

It was revealed that Phogat was administered drugs by her aides. So far, Sudhir Sangwan and Sukhwinder Singh and three others have been arrested in connection with the case.

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