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`Cops want to destroy proof in Bhatt`s possession`
Teesta Setalvad has alleged that the Gujarat police want to destroy the evidences which are in Sanjiv Bhatt`s possession to save `big names`.
Ahmedabad/New Delhi: Adding yet another controversy to the ongoing Sanjiv Bhatt-Narendra Modi saga, social activist and convenor of the human rights organisation, Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP)Teesta Setalvad has alleged that the Gujarat police want to destroy the evidences which are in Bhatt’s possession to save ‘big names’.
Putting a question mark on the motive of Gujarat police, Setalvad told DNA, “Why are the city police so desperately demanding access to arrested IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt`s bank lockers or what were they looking for when they carried out searches at his house and that of his mother?” It is widely speculated that Bhatt is in possession of many crucial documents regarding the 2002 post-Godhara riots that can put a number of top state politicians and bureaucrats in spot if made public.
It should be noted that the police have sought the court`s permission to check Bhatt`s bank lockers but the court is yet to decide on their petition. However, the urgency shown by the police has raised questions about their intention.
"The suggestion that the Gujarat police should be allowed to search Bhatt`s lockers is shocking and ludicrous as it is tantamount to allowing the accused access to evidence using a key given by a witness," Teesta said. Bhatt is a crucial witness in several cases related to 2002 riots in which senior Gujarat government functionaries are accused.
Setalvad further added, "Chief Minister Narendra Modi is accused number 1 in the criminal complaint of Zakia Jaffri. But he is also in-charge of the Annual Confidential Reports of all police officers. Such a search would allow the powerful accused to destroy evidence."
The police have already conducted raids on Bhatt`s residence and that of his mother but the only thing they could seize was a CPU from his home. Talking to DNA, former DGP RB Sreekumar said that the police may be after the documents which Bhatt is believed to have in his possession and which could nail the accused in the post-Godhra riots.