Ahmedabad

Retired IPS DG Vanzara has sought Rs 101 crore in damages from Abdul Qayyum, author of the book ‘Salakho ke pichche 11 saal(11 years behind bar)’.

Abdul Qayyum–a madrassa teacher was accused in Akshardham terror attack case.

He was arrested in the 2002 Akshardham Mandir terror attack case in which 33 were killed when terrorists stormed the Mandir. In 2006, a Gujarat POTA court sentenced three of the six accused, including Qayyum, to death.

That sentence was upheld in 2010 by the Gujarat high court. It then came before the Supreme Court, where Qayyum and others were acquitted.

Qayyum has in his book made several allegations against retired IPS DG Vanzara who is free on bail in alleged fake encounter cases.

Vanzara’s lawyer VD Gajjar said, “Vanzara believes that Jamiat-e-Ulema’s Mahrashtra and Gujarat units and its international body is behind the allegations made in Qayyum’s book against certain police officers.”

Vanzara’s son who was present in court said, “my father is in Mumbai, as he can not come here due to court order(restricting his entry to Gujarat). My father believes that whatever Mr. Mufti has mentioned in his book is part of a larger conspiracy. And therefore he has filed petition in court and made strong objection. My father believes that international organizations are involved in this conspiracy which may cause harm to morale of police officers.”

Court will hold next hearing in this case on 31st July. Qayyum and others (Maulana Arshad Madni of Jamiate Ulema Maharashstra, representative of Jamiate Ulema Ahmedabad, represtnative of Madresa Tarabiyatul Atfal and Rasulbhai Moonlight) will need to remain present in court.

Vanzara points out that when Qayyum was accused he didn’t say anything, but after his release from the supreme Court, he has started making claims.

Vanzara seeks Rs 101 crore damages from Qayyum and others for tarnish his image. He has sought restrictions on further circulation of the book written by Qayyum.

– DeshGujarat