The Hindu : National : Police officer asked to wind up probe

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Monday, Sep 13, 2004

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National

Police officer asked to wind up probe

AHMEDABAD, SEPT. 12 . An IPS officer appointed on the instructions of the Supreme Court to investigate certain post-Godhra riot cases in Panchamahals and Dahod districts of Gujarat was asked to wind up her probe, police sources said here today.

Neerja Gotru Rao, Superintendent of Police (Prohibition) told PTI: "I cannot say much on this as it is a sensitive matter. All I can say is that I have been asked to wind up my probe."

Ms. Rao was asked to investigate cases involving the massacre of minorities and gangrape of women and had arrested Sub Inspector, R.J. Patil, on the charge of burning the bodies of 14 riot-victims of the Ambika society case without even informing their relatives.

She was also instrumental in the reopening of the Delol massacre case, in which 10 persons were killed, which was closed by Mr. Patil for `lack of evidence'.

The Director-General of Police, A. K. Bhargav, said: "She was given a specific task to investigate certain cases in the two districts. She has completed that task, filed draft chargesheets in the cases and wanted to be relieved from the cases."

He said the cases would be taken care of by the concerned District Superintendents of Police.

Mr. Bhargav said the decision had nothing to do with any reported fear among officials handling such riot cases, especially after the arrest of Mr. Patil. — PTI

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