HC moved for State's failure to appoint sp PP in firing case

Mumbai, May 29 (UNI) A writ petition has been filed in the Bombay High Court taking exception to the State Government's failure to appoint a special public prosecutor in the Ramabai Ambedkar Nagar firing case.

Sanjay Vairal, the petitioner, has stated that although hearing into the case has started, no special public prosecutor has been appointed despite assurances from State Home Minister R R Patil.

The petitioner prayed for a stay on the trial in the sessions court. However, Justice A S Bagga refused to grant the stay and deferred the hearing after summer vacation.

In July 1997, a State Reserve Police Force platoon had opened fire on an angry mob which was protesting the desecration of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar's statue at Ramabai Ambedkar Nagar in Ghatkopar.

Ten persons had died in the firing which was ordered by SRPF sub-inspector Manohar Kadam.

Later, Justice Gundewar Commission, which probed the incident, held that firing was not necessary and Kadam was at fault. A case was thus initiated against Kadam at the Sewri sessions court here.

Meanwhile, in 2003, when investigations were on, a petition had been filed in the High Court saying that police were not recording statements of some vital witnesses. In the course of hearing, the then additional advocate general had stated that government was ready to appoint a special public prosecutor if such an application was made.

This February, social activist Teesta Setalwad and others had urged Mr R R Patil to appoint a special public prosecutor, and Mr Patil had agreed to the request, the petition claims.

UNI XR-ARM MAZ ARB KP2354