The Gujarat high court Monday dropped murder charges on all 12 accused in the killing of former state minister Haren Pandya eight years ago, while severely criticising the CBI for its “botched up” and “blinkered” investigation.
The high court, however, upheld the trial court’s order convicting the 12 for criminal conspiracy, attempt to murder and Prevention of Terrorism Act offences.
In New Delhi, the CBI said it would file a special leave petition in the Supreme Court against the high court’s ruling.
Pandya, a former minister of state for home and said to be close to chief minister Narendra Modi, was shot dead on March 26, 2003 near Ahmedabad’s Law Garden area while on a morning walk. The CBI had said Pandya was murdered to avenge the 2002 communal riots.
All 12 accused, except key conspirator Mohammad Asgar Ali, are likely to be released from jail soon as they have been behind bars since 2003, said special public prosecutor J.M. Panchal. Ali will be in jail some more time.
— PTI
(with bureau inputs)