SIT probe against Modi, 62 others challenged in HC

A former BJP MLA has challenged the SIT move to investigate roles of Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi and 62 others in the 2002 riots.

The move to investigate their roles came following a complaint filed by Jakia Jafri, wife of slain MP Ahesan Jafri.

Former MLA from Lunavada, Kalu Malivad has contended that the SIT can not proceed further without registering a formal complaint in the matter. He said there was no need to reinvestigate the matter as the local police and the SIT itself had already finished probe in the Gulberg society massacre case.

SB Vakil, senior counsel representing Malivad, argued, “The supreme court has asked SIT to ‘look into’ the complaints. It means the agency can’t initiate investigation under CrPC. This is the reason no FIR has been registered by the SIT on the complaint filed by Jakia Jafri.”

“The SIT is empowered to investigate only nine riot-related cases, but in the instant case it is not empowered to conduct investigation under the CrPC, “ Vakil said and argued that Jafri had lodged the FIR after four years of the incident.  Justice RH Shukla had issued notices to the 10 respondents, including state home secretary, Jakia Jafri, social activist Teesta Setalvad, her NGO Citizens for Justice and Peace, apart from six SIT officials, including chief RK Raghavan, Paramveer Singh, AK Malhotra, Geetha Johri, Shivanand Jha and Ashish Bhatia. They have been asked to clear their stand on June 16 when further hearing in the matter will take place. The court, however, refused to grant stay on SIT investigation, as prayed by Malivad.