The special investigation team (SIT) opposed a plea moved by victims of the Gulbarg society massacre seeking to make IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt a witness in the case.

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The victims, on Thursday, filed an application seeking to make IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt a witness in the Gulbarg society case as he had filed an affidavit before the Supreme Court and given testimony before the Nanavati commission.

But RC Kodekar, special counsel for the SIT, opposed the plea stating that all issues related to Bhatt were under the scrutiny of the Supreme Court. Hence, he should not be called before the court as a witness.

While arguing before the court, Kodekar, said, “Sanjiv Bhatt’s affidavit levelling allegations against chief minister Modi and his four statements before the SIT are subject to an assessment report by Supreme Court’s amicus curiae Raju Ramachandran.”

He further said that as the court has not decided upon Bhatt’s judgment, he should not be made a witness.

However, SM Vora, counsel for the Gulbarg victims said, “On one hand, the SIT is taking Bhatt’s statement related to the Gulbarg case while on the other hand, it is opposed against making him a witness.” After hearing the argument, designated judge BJ Dhandha, posted further hearing on July 5.

Bhatt has already given his statement before the Supreme Court appointed SIT, which is probing the complaint of Zakia Jafri, widow of slain parliamentarian Ahesan Jafri.

In the complaint she had sought to prosecute Modi and 63 others for showing negligence to curb the 2002 communal riots.

Bhatt has also filed an affidavit before the Supreme Court stating that Modi had instructed top cops of Gujarat to let Hindus vent their anger in a meeting held late in the evening on February 27, 2002.