Maya incited mob, SIT tells court

The Special Investigation Team (SIT), appointed by the apex court to probe some 2002 riot cases in the state, told the Gujarat high court on Monday that the minister of women development and child welfare, Maya Kodnani, was leading the rioting mob during the riots in Naroda Patiya. Special public prosecutor JM Panchal cited the statements of eight witnesses who had told SIT that they had seen Kodnani inciting the rioting mob in Naroda.

SIT had filed a petition challenging the anticipatory bail granted to Kodnani and VHP leader Jaydeep Patel by a lower court, which was heard today by the HC. The court deferred further hearing in the case till March 12.

Panchal also submitted that there was a prima facie case against the accused. He said there were mobile phone records which proved that Kodnani was present at the riot spot.

He also submitted that the police had not recorded the statements of witnesses in 2002 correctly. He said these facts had been overlooked when the sessions court granted anticipatory bail to the accused.

He also submitted that anticipatory bail could be granted after looking at aspects such as its impact on society, larger interests of society and chances of tampering with evidence in the case.
Representing Maya Kodnani, lawyer Yatin Oza sought adjournment of the proceedings on the personal ground that his daughter was not well. He also submitted that the chargesheet ran into more than 3,000 pages and time was needed to study the same. Oza also submitted that in the wake of articles appearing in the media, the court could get influenced. However, the court said that it would not to be guided by media. Justice DH Waghela rejected the adjournment plea.