The Hindu : National : SP concedes lapses in security for Zahira

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Dec 09, 2004

National

National

SP concedes lapses in security for Zahira

By Our Special Correspondent

MUMBAI, DEC. 8. The Additional Sessions Judge, Abhay Thipsay, who is conducting the re-trial of the Best Bakery case, today questioned R B Brahmabhatt, Superintendent of Police, Gandhinagar, in connection with irregularities in the security arrangements provided to eyewitness Zahira Sheikh and her family.

On Saturday, the judge expressed concern that the constables accompanying Saira Sheikh, Zahira's sister, did not have proper duty passes and there were no women police with her. He summoned Mr. Brahmabhatt to Mumbai to explain the irregularities in the security arrangements. Mr. Brahmabhatt told the court that permission had been given to three constables to escort Zahira and her family to Mumbai. However, the permission was restricted to the Gujarat border as per the order of the Director-General of Police. The court wondered whether it was not essential for the police to have duty passes when they left town. Mr. Brahmabhatt conceded it was the norm but was not adhered to. Regarding the absence of women police constables, the police official admitted that it was an irregularity but he had no women constables in the branch. The expenses for the security were paid for by the SP's office.

Meanwhile, the cross examination of Saira Sheikh by the special public prosecutor, Manjula Rao, which began on December 2, ended today. The defence will now take over.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

National