Preliminary probe on against Modi, others: SIT

A preliminary inquiry against Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and 62 others for their alleged role in the 2002 riot was on as per Supreme Court orders, the special investigation team (SIT) informed High Court today.

The SIT, probing some of the post-Godhra riot cases, made this statement before Justice D H Waghela, who was hearing on a petition filed by former BJP MLA from Lunavada Kalubhai Malivad challenging the inquiry with regard to a complaint made by one Zakia Jaffery.

Zakia whose husband ex-MP Ehsan Jaffrey was killed during the riots in Gulburg society along with 39 others, has alleged that Modi, his cabinet colleagues, police officials and senior bureaucrats aided and abetted post-Godhra riots.

The SC had ordered SIT, in April this year, to look into the complaint and submit its report within three months.

Appearing on behalf of SIT, senior counsel K G Menon submitted before the court that as per the SC order their job was to find out the truth with regard to the allegations made in Zakia's complaint.

"And as the apex court order had stated that SIT need to take necessary steps as per law, a preliminary inquiry in the matter was permissible which we are doing," Menon said.

He also further said that Malivad's petition was aimed at stalling SIT's preliminary inquiry.