Gujarat minister sent to police custody

A local court has sent former Gujarat minister Mayaben Kodnani, an accused in the 2002 riot cases, to 24-hour police custody and remanded co-accused former VHP leader Jaydeep Patel to judicial custody.

A local court here on Saturday sent former Gujarat minister Mayaben Kodnani, an accused in the 2002 riot cases, to 24-hour police custody and remanded co-accused former VHP leader Jaydeep Patel to judicial custody.

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Kodnani, accused in the Naroda Gam and Naroda Patiya case, and Patel, accused in Naroda Gam case, were produced before the Metropolitan Magistrate G.M. Patel after their police custody ended on Saturday.

The Supreme Court-appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the cases submitted before the court that they needed custody of Kodnani in the Naroda Patiya case.

The court sent Kodnani to 24-hour police custody in Naroda Patiya case. SIT is likely to ask for her further remand on Sunday.

After the court order, when the two accused were being escorted to police vehicle, Kodnani categorically named Minister for Science and Technology Kapil Sibal and social activist Teesta Setalvad behind the formation of SIT.

“This is a conspiracy to stop the progress of Gujarat. To tarnish the image of Gujarat, Kapil Sibal and Teesta Setalvad had orchestrated the formation of SIT,” Kodnani alleged after coming out of the court.

“Ahmed Patel (Congress leader) is also involved in giving a bad name to Gujarat,” Kodnani said after she was prompted by Jaydeep Patel who was standing besides her.

Patel, who is not accused in the Naroda Patiya, case was sent to judicial custody by the court.