Ishrat Jahan case: IB, CBI patch up as NSA intervenes

Government’s efforts to douse raging fire between Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Intelligence Bureau (IB) over possible implication Rajendra Kumar, IB’s special director in 2004 Ishrat Jahan fake encounter case seemed bearing some effect on Thursday as chiefs of both the agencies met at Union home secretary RK Singh’s chamber to sort out the issue.

Former CBI director AP Singh and IB’s operations head in 2004 were also present in nearly one-hour-long meeting that reportedly witnessed “heated” exchanges between the two agencies heads before the warring parties agreed on a face saver formula.

Soon after the meeting, Singh briefed home minister Sushilkumar Shinde about the developments and a possible patch up between the two agencies.  National Security Advisor, Shiv Shnkar Menon had to personally intervene to bring the two chiefs together to sort out the matter, sources said.

Investigating Ishrat case, the CBI has indicated implicating IB’s special director Rajendra Kumar for being part of the conspiracy to eliminate Ishrat.  Keeping the heat on, CBI sources on Thursday afternoon asserted that Kumar, probably, had also provided AK– 47 rifle to kill Ishrat and others.

Blaming the IB for not cooperating, CBI sources said they have witness testimony, call data records and other evidence which is enough to question and arrest Kumar. CBI director Ranjit Sinha even went on record to claim that “they have evidence that will stand legal scrutiny.” Sources, however, said following the patch up, Kumar is unlikely to be hounded and implicated in the case as an accused and would only be questioned.

Incidentally, several factors are playing in the current imbroglio. While CBI is keen to take the case to the logical end that has the potential to mar the image of Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi, the IB is enraged at the potential arrest of one their senior most officials and is desperate to save its image.