CBI threatened me, alleges ATS ex-driver in Gujarat

Bhailal Rathod, a witness in the Sohrabuddin Sheikh fake encounter and mysterious disappearance of Kausar Bi, has moved an application in the court of additional metropolitan magistrate (CBI) AY Dave demanding protection from Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the probing agency in the case.

Rathod, in his application before the court, has alleged that the central agency sleuths are threatening him of arraigning him as an accused in the case, if he doesn't give a witness statement before the court under the provisions of CrPC.

Acting on the petition filed by Rathod, magistrate issued show cause notice to CBI and posted the matter for further hearing on June 10.

Rathod, who was driver with the Gujarat ATS, when Sohrabuddin Shaikh was killed, has stated that he had gone to CBI office on May 26 after getting the summons.

However, the central agency sleuths tried to pressurise him to give statements in the case before a judicial magistrate under CrPC provisions.

Rathod declined saying that he had already given his statements before the CID crime, which was earlier investigating the case. Subsequently, the central agency sleuths threatened him of arraigning him as an accused in the case, if he doesn't toe their line.

The ATS driver has sought legal protection against the CBI and a direction to the CBI not to force him to give any statement against his will.