Prajapati case: Commission writes to CBI, Guj govt

In the wake of a sting operation in connection with Tulsiram Prajapati killing in Gujarat, National Commission for Scheduled Castes has asked CBI to probe whether the ongoing investigation and judicial process in the case had been manipulated.

The commission also decided to probe the matter and issued notices to Gujarat Chief Secretary and Director General of Police, seeking details in the matter immediately, failing which it would summon them.

Attaching a CD of the sting operation, the commission has written a letter to CBI Director Ranjit Sinha, saying a report in the matter should be furnished urgently to the Supreme Court in "view of the revelations in the enclosed CD".

The panel, which got into the issue on the ground that the deceased belonged to OBC category, said it has taken "serious cognizance" of the case in view of the sting operation.

"The issue further becomes serious because this particular encounter murder case is being investigated by CBI and monitored by the Hon'ble Supreme Court," said the letter written by the commission's Joint Secretary T Theethan yesterday.

He wrote that the "copy of the sting operation CD is also being sent for taking cognizance in which there is evidence about manipulation of the judicial process and interference in the administration of justice".

Theethan said, "...I would request you to furnish an urgent report, indicating details of the case and steps taken by the CBI to effectively defend the case before the Hon'ble Supreme Court. It would also be appropriate if a report on the matter is submitted to Hon'ble Supreme Court in view of the revelations in the enclosed CD.