Chavan rules out CBI probe into J Dey murder case

Mumbai, Jun 21: Ruling out handing over the investigations into murder of senior journalist J Dey to CBI, Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan today (Jun 21)said that Mumbai police would crack the case soon.

"If the High Court orders the government to do it, the case would be given to the CBI to honor the court verdict. But, Mumbai police would put forth its case before the court properly," Chavan told a group of editors from print and electronic media who called on him this afternoon.

Chavan said Mumbai police were working round-the-clock on the murder case of senior crime journalist Jyotirmoy Dey and they will crack it soon.

Senior investigative journalist Jyotirmoy Dey (56) was shot dead by four unidentified assailants in the suburban Powai on June 11.

Referring to the demand for separate legislation to prevent attacks on journalists, the chief minister said the government was considering a proposal to include professionals from creative field like authors, artistes along with journalists in the draft bill.

He also said that there was no unanimity among the political as well as the media community over having a separate legislation for journalists.

Chavan said the number of fast track courts to deal with attacks on professionals like doctors, media persons will be increased.

He said if police personnel were found to be involved in the J Dey murder case, nobody will be spared and stringent action will be taken against them.

Chavan also said that a government committee to keep a check on attacks on newsmen will be revived and strengthened with more powers.

Editor-in-Chief of Indian Express Shekhar Gupta, N Ram editor of The Hindu, Executive editor of The Economic Times Rahul Joshi, Editor of DNA Aditya Sinha, Sachin Kalbag editor of Mid-Day, Girish Kuber, editor of Loksatta attended the meeting.

PTI