BJP lashes out at NHRC call for CBI probe into post-Godhra riots

New Delhi, Apr 3 (UNI) Taking exception to the recommendation of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) for a CBI probe into the post-Godhra riots, the BJP today wondered how ''appropriate'' it was on part of the panel to come out with such suggestions as almost all riot cases were monitored by the Supreme Court.

BJP spokesman Ravishankar Prasad said the process of ordering the CBI probe was very well defined under the Delhi Police (Act) and the probe could happen only after the consent of the state government or a direction from the Supreme Court.

''One should not forget that most riot case trials had been shifted to Mumbai from Ahmedabad and other Gujarat towns under the orders of the Supreme Court. The court had given judgments sentencing some accused to life imprisonment and some to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment while others were acquitted. The riot investigations were directly handled by the Special Task Force monitored by the court.

However, in this case, I wonder how proper it is for the NHRC to make such a recommendation,'' Mr Prasad said.

He alleged that the NHRC's attitude was not ''consistent'' when it came to dealing with riots, violence and genocides that had taken place in the country.

Meanwhile, the NHRC termed Gujarat's objections to the CBI probe ''untenable and misplaced'' saying the investigating agency was under the Centre's control and the NHRC was not legally bound to obtain concurrence of the state government for the probe.

UNI MCN/KAS HS PM1810