Mathura violence: UP Govt. now orders judicial probe

The Uttar Pradesh Government on Tuesday stopped its inquiry into the Mathura violence and instead ordered a judicial probe.

Former Allahabad High Court judge Imtiaz Murtaza will head the one-member commission, which will inquire into this case.

The Supreme Court earlier today refused to entertain a plea seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the recent clash in Mathura's Jawahar Bagh area, which left 25 people, including two policemen dead and hundreds of others injured.

A vacation bench of Justices P.C. Ghose and Amitava Roy had yesterday listed the matter for hearing on the petition filed by lawyer and Delhi Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Ashwini Upadhyay.

Justice Roy observed that the matter is pending at the Allahabad High Court and the petitioner was bypassing the matter through this PIL.

While refusing the plea, the apex court said it is a right of the state government to recommend a CBI probe and even the Centre cannot order a CBI probe on its own.

"The order for a CBI probe cannot be a matter of routine," the court observed.

Justice Roy observed there is no statement in the petition, which shows deficiency in investigation or lacking in effort on part of the Uttar Pradesh Government.

The petitioner's advocate sought an urgent hearing, saying the CBI probe is necessary looking at the gravity of the violence.

The petitioner said the court may also take suo motu cognizance of the matter and direct a CBI enquiry as it is necessary to find out the truth.

A large amount of explosives were found during the search operation on Sunday at the Jawahar Bagh where 25 people, including two cops, were killed following a clash between the police personnel and encroachers.