Joshi rejects CB-CID probe into arson, demands CBI inquiry

The Uttar Pradesh government today transferred the inquiry into ransacking and arson at UPCC chief Rita Bahuguna Joshi’s city residence to the Crime Branch-CID even as she demanded a CBI probe.

The Uttar Pradesh government today transferred the inquiry into ransacking and arson at UPCC chief Rita Bahuguna Joshi’s city residence to the Crime Branch-CID even as she demanded a CBI probe.

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“To avoid any controversy and ensure an unbiased inquiry into the incident, the government has decided to transfer the probe to the CB-CID,” Cabinet Secretary Shashank Shekhar Singh told reporters here.

He said that the decision to order a CB-CID probe was taken so that the opposition parties do not get a chance to raise questions over free and fair conduct of the inquiry.

Irrespective of the fact that whether those involved in the incident are associated with the BSP or the Congress, strict action will be taken against the guilty, he said.

“Joshi’s house was vandalised and set on fire on July 15. The opposition parties have demanded that an independent inquiry should be ordered,” he said.

He said the government wanted to assure the people that it does not believe in party politics on law and order issues.

“The government has not hesitated in taking action against its own MPs and MLAs if they are involved in wrong activities,” he said.

Joshi, who is charged with making derogatory remarks against Chief Minister and BSP supremo Mayawati, today alleged that the July 15 arson was a “state-sponsored crime” and demanded a CBI inquiry into the incident.