Sohrab case: 2 constables move HC for bail

Two constables accused in the Sohrabuddin Sheikh fake encounter case moved a bail petition in the Gujarat high court on Monday. Their plea will come up for hearing on June 15.
Ajay Parmar and Santram Sharma, both of whom were constables with the anti-terrorist squad, were arrested by CID (crime) which had investigated the case before it was handed over to the CBI.

According to the prosecution case, the two men had played an active role in the killing of Sohrabuddin Sheikh and the disappearance of Kausarbi.

“We have sought bail for both the constables as they have been given a clean chit by the CBI on the ground that they had acted on the instructions of officers,” said Punit Juneja, counsel for both the constables.

“Earlier in the case, the CBI had given a clean chit to VA Rathod who later got bail from the Supreme Court. Hence, Parmar and Sharma should also be given bail on the ground of parity,” the lawyer said.

Sohrabuddin Sheikh was killed in 2005 in a fake encounter by the ATS of the Gujarat police. His wife, Kausarbi, was also allegedly murdered by the ATS personnel. The Supreme Court had hand over the probe first to CID (crime) and then to the CBI after hearing the petition filed by Sohrabuddin’s brother, Rubabuddin.

More than 16 policemen, including four IPS officers, are behind bars in connection with the case. Former Gujarat minister of home Amit Shah was also arrested but he was granted bail.