Crime branch to probe Sunanda's death

Delhi Police on Thursday transferred the probe into the death of Union Minister Shashi Tharoor’s wife Sunanda Pushkar to the crime branch from Sarojini Nagar Police Station. The move comes two days after the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) asked police to find out the cause of poisoning and also to specifically probe the case as that of murder or suicide.

Sources said the probe has been transferred as the south district police have their hands full, as they are part of the security arrangements for the Republic Day parade and unlike the crime branch they have also to deal with the local law and order situations. “The decision was taken after a meeting between senior police officers,” sources added.

In a report to the police, the SDM said that Sunanda’s family member do not suspect any foul play in the death. The report further said that Sunanda could have died in “just three ways — homicidal, suicidal or accidental” and police should investigate further to ascertain the reason of her death.