SC directs DGP to submit report on Prof Sabharwal murder case

New Delhi, Sep 25 (UNI) The Supreme Court today directed Director General of Police (Madhya Pradesh) to submit a status report in the court by November 3, 2006 regarding the investigation in the alleged murder of Professor H S Sabharwal in Ujjain in August 2006 who was manhandled by ABVP activists for cancelling the student union's election.

A bench comprising Justice Arijit Pasayat and Justice Lokeshwar Singh Panta also isssued notices to the state of Madhya Pradesh, CBI and other senior police officials of the state police department on the petition filed by Professor Sabharwal's son Himanshu Sabharwal seeking CBI inquiry into the murder of his father. The court also directed the IG of the district to file an affidavit stating why the family members of Professor Sabharwal were not treated properly and why there are allegations regarding criminal threats being received by them including the petitioner were not taken seriously and investigated.

The court also directed that the investigation shall be conducted by an officer not below the rank of DIG and shall be supervised by DGP himself.

The court also directed the DGP to investigate the allegations of threat being received by the family members of Professor Sabharwal as well as witnessess in the case and also directed the DGP to provide adequate protection to the witnesses as and when demanded.

The court adjourned the hearing till November 3, 2006.

Earlier counsel for the petitioner submitted before the court that free and fair investigation was not possible in the State of Madhya Pradesh as accused of murder belong to the student wing of the ruling party in the state and the state administration was leaving no stone unturned in shielding the culprit.

The petitioner also mentioned the statement of state Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan describing the murder of Professor Sabharwal as an accident.

It may be noted here that five people including state ABVP leader Rajiv Ranjan Akela and Vimal Tomar have been arrested.

Professor Sabharwal was a professor in Madhav College of Ujjain and had cancelled the union elections after he received large number of complaints.

UNI AKS/SC DKA RP HT1827