SC rejects need for CBI probe into Guj fake encounter

New Delhi, May 17: The Supreme Court today turned down the demand for a CBI inquiry into the Gujarat fake encounter in which Sohrabuddin Sheikh and his wife Kausar Bi were allegedly killed by the state Police in November 2005.

The ruling is seen as a major relief to the Narendra Modi government.

A Bench comprising Justices Tarun Chatterjee and P K Balasubramanyan also directed the Gujarat Police to submit the final investigation report latest by July 3 and adjourned the hearing till July 16.

The apex court also refused to accept the allegation that Kausar Bi was also killed in the encounter since her body or remains were yet to be recovered. Therefore, her death cannot be said to have been confirmed, the court added.

Today's order is a major setback to the UPA government at the Centre which has been supporting the demand of petitioner Rubabuddin Shieikh for a CBI inquiry into the killing of his brother and sister-in-law. The court also said it would continue to monitor the progress in the investigation of the case and also expressed satisfaction with the investigation conducted by the Gujarat Police so far.

Three senior IPS officers have already been arrested in the case and till date a total of seven arrests have been and more arrests are likely.

UNI

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