The CBI is all set to challenge the acquittal of Amit Jogi, son of senior Congress leader Ajit Jogi, in the murder of an NCP leader in June 2003.
NEW DELHI: The CBI is all set to challenge the acquittal of Amit Jogi, son of senior Congress leader Ajit Jogi, in the murder of an NCP leader in June 2003. A lower court had convicted all the 28 accused, except Ajit, a few months ago.
A CBI source told DNA the Union law ministry has been told in no uncertain terms by additional solicitor general Amrender Saran that the CBI should challenge the lower-court order. “We are challenging the lower-court order in the high court (HC) since the mandatory go-ahead has been given,” agency spokesman G Mohanti said.
On June 4, 2003, NCP leader Ramavatar Jaggi was shot dead in Raipur while he was on his way to the party office.
In the course of the four-year police investigation and a hot legal battle that followed, former chief minister Ajir Jogi was also arrested.
On this May 31, special judge BL Tikde ordered the conviction of all 28 accused, except Jogi Junior because it did not find enough evidence against the St Stephen’s College student.
The court order only further highlighted the political dynamics of the case – Amit’s Congress connections on one side and the NCP as a significant ally on the other. While the CBI played the waiting game, the additional solicitor general recommended appeal against the acquittal.
The CBI source said, “There are basically two points which give the CBI enough ground (for the challenge). First, the evidence on the basis of which the court convicted the 28 accused is the same as that against Amit. Secondly, there are two witnesses whose statements have not been considered in the final order.”
According to the CBI, the court acquitted Jogi saying there was no direct evidence of conspiracy against him. “And this law point will be challenged in the high court,” the source said.
Though the CBI has got the law ministry clearance for challenging Amit’s acquittal, slain leader Jaggi’s son says it isn’t enough. He wants the CBI to get a top lawyer to argue its case.
Satish Jaggi told DNA over phone from Raipur, “Initially, I was told the CBI is in two minds. I really appreciate that the CBI has done what is in the interest of justice. But I request it to hire a good lawyer to fight this case in the high court for the sake of justice.”
Stressing that his father’s murder was political, Satish said, “It is a big political case and the accused will hire the best criminal lawyer in high court. The CBI must keep this aspect in mind.
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