Javed seeks probe in fake encounters

His PIL contends encounters targeting Muslims are becoming a trend in Gujarat, reports Bhadra Sinha.

Well-known lyricist Javed Akhtar has filed a public interest litigation in the Supreme court seeking a CBI probe into the alleged fake encounters in Gujarat. The bench headed by Chief Justice KG Balakrishnan has referred the petition to the special bench that is monitoring the Soharabuddin Sheikh case.

HT Image

Akhtar has sought a probe by a special investigation team into the alleged fake encounter of criminal Sameer Khan in October 2002. He alleged the police team involved in the fake encounter was the same that is now accused in the Soharabuddin Sheikh case.

The petition, filed through advocate Prashant Bhushan, contended that a trend has emerged in Gujarat to demonise the Muslims by declaring them dreaded terrorists and thereafter killing them in cold blood in fake encounters. It claimed in all the incidents the police officials were being awarded and declared "heroes".