Gujarat riots panel to decide on cop's testimony June 8

Gandhinagar: The Nanavati-Mehta Judicial Inquiry Commission, probing the 2002 Gujarat communal riots, Wednesday reserved its order till June 8 on whether to treat as a witness or an informer a top police officer who accused Chief Minister Narendra Modi of complicity.

Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Sanjeev Bhatt claimed to have attended meetings held at Modi's house Feb 27, 2002 and other meetings where instructions were said to have been given to go easy on the rioters.

During Wednesday's proceedings, the state government didn't make any oral submission before the panel. It would file an affidavit in reply Thursday.

Petitioner Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind (JUH) moved an application to strike off Bhatt's cross-examination recorded by the probe panel May 16, 23 and 24.

Bhatt also moved an application on similar lines seeking a bar on his cross-examination until his status was decided.

The JUH requested that the probe panel should not permit further cross-examination of Bhatt by any of the parties appearing before it.

The JUH contended that Bhatt was summoned by the panel to furnish information about his claim of having attended the meetings held at the chief minister's house during the riots.

It said no oath was administered to Bhatt for the purpose of his cross-examination as contemplated under the provisions of the Commissions of Inquiry Act.

The JUH claimed that Bhatt did not file any affidavit before the commission and only a copy of the affidavit which he filed before the Supreme Court was submitted.

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Picture of the Day

Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov witnessing the signing of agreements between two countries, in New Delhi on May 18, 2011.

(Photo: BM Meena)