Ahmedabad, 26 December 2013

The Ahmedabad magisterial court is likely to decide today on whether the SIT clean chit to Narendra Modi in the 2002 Gujarat riots should be upheld. The order is to be passed on a protest petition by Zakia Jafri, a riot victim.

While the SIT says it has found no evidence whatsoever, Zakia Jafri has argued that there is adequate evidence to prosecute Modi and others who include police officers, bureaucrats and political leaders.

Following the September 2011 Supreme Court order, the SIT filed a closure report in the magisterial court in February 2012. SIT lawyer RS Jamuvar said that the investigation agency did not find any evidence against Modi and hence the closure report had been filed.

Security for judge and SIT

One SRP platoon has been deployed inside the court campus for security. Metropolitan Magistrate B.J.Ganatra will be given police escorting. SIT investigative officer Himanshu Shukla will be given police protection and escorting. Local police station staff and Crime Branch officers to remain present in court campus. SIT had asked for security in application to Police Commissioner.