NHRC seeks CBI probe into recent Gujarat riots sting

New Delhi, Nov 5 (UNI) The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought a CBI inquiry to ascertain the authenticity of tapes used in the recent sting operation on the Gujarat communal violence.

The Commission has asked the Gujarat government to communicate its decision regarding the conduct of the probe, which will also look into the allegations made in "Operation Kalank" by Tehelka, to the Centre and the NHRC within two weeks.

The Commission's directive comes after it viewed the tapes sent by television channel, which broadcast the sting on October 25.

The programme alleged that the State functionaries of Gujarat abetted and facilitated atrocities on the minority in the wake of Godhra violence in 2002.

NHRC said the allegations made by the sting had far-reaching implications and raised vital constitutional issues, which need to be ''promptly addressed''.

''The authenticity of the tapes must be examined and the allegations made therein must be investigated. The investigation must be effective and independent.... If the allegations are found true after investigation, appropriate corrective action will have to be taken,'' it added.

Communal violence broke out in Gujarat on February 27, 2002.

after the Ghodhra train carnage. The Commission took suo-motu cognizance of the violence and has since been seized of the issue.

The Special NHRC Rapporteur visited the affected areas and on the basis of his reports, the Commission formulated several proposals to assess and ameliorate the situation.

In its sittings on April 1, 2002, and May 31, 2002, the Commission made many recommendations to the State Government.

The Commission has been continuously monitoring the progress of measures taken by the State for the relief and rehabilitation of the riot-affected people.

In 2003, the Commission filed a Special Leave Petition in the Supreme Court to enforce "the right of fair trial" for all and a petition for transfer of 9 serious cases for trial outside Gujarat was also filed.

In the sitting on April 1, 2002, the Commission had emphasised the need to restore the integrity of the process of investigation and the State Government was asked to entrust the investigation of certain critical cases to CBI.

''The need for CBI investigation is all the more pronounced today,'' the Commission said.

UNI