CBI tells SC prepared to probe important Guj riots cases

New Delhi, Feb 18 (UNI) The Centre has informed the Supreme Court that the CBI is prepared to undertake the investigation of 15 important Gujarat communal riots related cases in which the trial has been stayed by the apex court.

The Centre, in its affidavit filed in the apex court yesterday, has also said the trial of these cases should also be held outside Gujarat.

The important cases include Godhra train burning case, Gulbarg society case, Naroda Gram, Naroda Patia, Sardar Pura, Oudh, Vishnagar, Pandarwara and Kedia.

Several PILs, including those of NHRC, seeking transfer of these cases outside Gujarat are already pending before this court.

NHRC and other petitioners are also demanding re-investigation in these cases as according to them fair investigation has not been carried out into these cases by state police because most of the accused belong to Sangh Parivar and Narendra Modi government in the state was trying its best to shield and protect the real culprits.

According to the petitioners, free and fair investigation is possible only if these cases are investigated by an independent investigative agency like the CBI.

Narendra Modi government is, however, strongly opposing the petition as it does not want the investigations of the cases to be transferred to CBI because CBI is under the control of Central government.

The Supreme Court will hear the petitions tomorrow.

UNI AKS/SC SY RP BD1657