SIT quizzes 3 lawyers in Gujarat riot cases

The Special Investigation Team (SIT), probing some of the 2002 riot cases in Gujarat, has questioned three lawyers in connection with a complaint filed against them by some victims, SIT sources said today.

Advocates H N Dhruv, P L Gandhi and V P Atre, were quizzed by SIT on Saturday in connection with the allegations by some riot victims and social activist Teesta Setalvad, who said these lawyers, having close proximity to the government, were appointed as special public prosecutors in post-Godhra riot cases.

Dhruv was initially appointed as special public prosecutor in the Godhra train burning case, while Atre was made public prosecutor in the Naroda Patiya and Gulbarg case. Gandhi was the chief government pleader in the Godhra sessions court in Panchmahal district.

Some of the riot victims and Setalvad had complained against the lawyers to SIT after their names were suggested for appointment as public prosecutor in the special courts where the trial of the riot cases is being held.