Kolkata hit-and-run case: IAF for joint probe with police

Kolkata, Jan 27: Seeking a speedy probe in the hit-and-run case of an airman, the air force has requested Kolkata Police for a joint investigation.

In a letter written to Police Commissioner Surajit Kar Purkayastha recently by Air Vice Marshal KPUK Nair, Air Officer Commanding of Advance Headquarters in Eastern Air Command, a formal request for a joint investigation was made so that the process of probe and trial could be expedited.

A defence official said IAF is yet to receive a response from the police. "We have also requested the police for a list of witnesses and all other evidences collected by them to help complete our own Court of Inquiry. These witnesses will later be required to depose before the Court of Inquiry," the official said.

The air force was also conducting its own departmental investigation into the January 13 incident at Red Road when 21-year-old corporal Abhimanyu Gaud was killed by a speeding Audi car during the Republic Day rehearsal.

Since then the police have arrested Sambia Sohrab, the main accused and son of state Trinamool Congress member Mohammed Sohrab, his friends Sonu and Johnnie.

In the meantime, the father of the late airman called up Air Vice Marshal Nair on Tuesday and referred to the situation in the aftermath of the period of custody of the accused coming to end.

"He also expressed his desire to meet Nair in person as he was of the view that the case may get prolonged and there may not be an early end in sight. He was assured by the Air Officer Commanding of all possible support in ensuring speedy delivery of justice," the official added.

PTI