Charge-framing process against Sanjiv Bhatt deferred

The process of framing of charges against suspended IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt has been differed to January 23 as Bhatt insisted that his revision application should be heard first by the court in Jam Khambhaliya in Jamnagar district. Bhatt is facing a custodial death case when he was assistant superintendent of police (ASP) in Jamnagar district in 1990.

Bhatt's lawyer also sought adjournment as he has filed an appeal before the Supreme Court related to the case, in which the government had   withdrawn its application protesting prosecution against Bhatt.

Meanwhile, Bhatt's lawyer IH Saiyad alleged that the government pleader used offending words during the court hearing.

"Government pleader Vimal Chotai challenged me, saying 'If you are so powerful, then get the stay order from the SC','' Saiyad said.
Bhatt then filed an application before the court, objecting to the utterances of Chotai.

But Chotai told DNA: "Bhatt is trying to divert the case by creating hype on such issue. I never used such words. I objected to Saiyad's making arguments in the court though he is not Bhatt's lawyer on record in this case. Even the court has not accepted the objection of Bhatt."

Bhatt and other cops are facing the custodial death case of one Prabhudas Vaishnani that took place in 1990.