Gujarat prosecutors questioned for saffron link

Less than two days after the Supreme Court appointed Special Investigation Team probing into the 2002 Gujarat riots grilled Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi sources indicate that Modi was not the only person to be summoned by the team.

According to sources, three advocates appointed by the government to act as the public prosecutor in the Godhra train carnage case were summoned by the SIT after the first round of interview with Gujarat chief minister.

The three lawyers were VP Atre, Piyush Gandhi and HM Dhruv - who is a senior lawyer.

All 3 men were questioned for about 20 minutes. Their interrogation was based on complaints made by activist Teesta Setalvad, who has taken up the case for the riot victims.

Sources say the SIT asked the lawyers if they were associated with the VHP, Bajrang Dal or BJP or whether they have any inclination towards the present government.

The SIT chief says the final report will be submitted by April-end.