SC admits petition Gujarat fake encounter case
New Delhi, May 3: In a major setback to Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, the Supreme Court today admitted a petition seeking CBI inquiry into the killings of Soharabbudin Sheikh and his wife Kausar Bi in a fake encounter in November 2005.
A bench comprising Mr Justice Tarun Chatterjee and Mr Justice P K Balasubramanyan directed the Gujarat police to submit its final investigation report within two weeks.
While adjourning the hearing till May 15, the apex court also directed the State Government to inform the court whether Geeta Johri, IG CID, Gujarat Police who was heading the investigation team in the fake encounter has been removed or not.
The Supreme Court in its order noted that since there was no explanation on the transfer of Geeta Johri, the State Government should clarify whether she has been removed from the investigating team and if so give reasons for her transfer. Earlier Rajnish Kumar Rai, Gujarat DIG (CID), in his Action Taken Report (ATR) assured the Court that all aspects of the incident would be investigated in the most scientific and professional manner and strict legal action would be taken againt all the persons who are found involved in the case.
The Gujarat police have already arrested three senior IPS officers, two from Gujarat and one from Rajasthan, and is now investigating the possibility of involvement of Andhra Pradesh police officers in the encounter which took place on November 26, 2005.
The arrested police officers are D G Vanzara, the then DIG ATS, Raj Kumar Pandian, the then SP ATS, and Dinesh M N, the then SP, Alwar. Surprisingly, none of the arrested police officers have been suspended so far.
Gujarat Home Minister Amit Shah is also under scanner for his alleged role in shielding the culprit. The petition has been filed by Rubabuddin Sheikh, brother of the deceased.
UNI