The Special Investigation Team on Friday opposed the regular bail application of former state minister Maya on the ground that she had committed a “crime against humanity”.
The Special Investigation Team on Friday opposed the regular bail application of former state minister Maya on the ground that she had committed a “crime against humanity”. In an affidavit filed in the city sessions court against Kodnani’s bail plea in the Naroda gaam case, the SIT contended that if Kodnani was released on bail, it would serve as encouragement for others who have committed similar offences.
The SIT said in the affidavit that the statements of 500 witnesses had been recorded in the case, out of which 74 were eyewitnesses, including 20 who had been added as new witnesses. It said that if Kodnani were released on bail, there was a possibility that witnesses may be threatened, thus damaging the case, as she was an influential person.
The SIT also cited the fact that while the complaints of six witnesses were received against Kodnani and an FIR had been registered, the latter was clubbed with the Naroda gaam FIR and the police had filed a ‘C’ summary report (which indicated that there was a lack of evidence in the case).
The SIT further said in the affidavit that the Gujarat high court had observed while cancelling Kodnani’s anticipatory bail that the acts of inciting a rioting mob and encouraging it to commit an offence were no less than terrorist acts. It also said that since the investigation was still on, it was of the opinion that she should not be released on bail.
Before the formation of the SIT, 49 people had been arrested in the case; while 31 were arrested during its investigation, the SIT said, adding that six chargesheets had been filed in the case. The SIT said that Kodnani’s mobile phone records indicated her presence at the site of the incident. It also cited the statements of 15 witnesses who had mentioned her presence at the site.
Lawyer Mitesh Amin appeared for Kodnani in court, while special public prosecutor Sudhir Brahmbhatt appeared for the SIT.
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