Families of three killed in 'fake' encounters demand probe into role of top cops, politicians

The family members of three men killed in alleged fake encounters by the Gujarat Police between 2002 to 2006 Wednesday demanded investigation into the role of senior police officers and politicians of that time.

They said the Justice H S Bedi committee appointed by the Supreme Court did not investigate the role of senior police officers and top political leaders of the time.

They said the apex court should direct the committee to probe the role of the top political leaders.

The committee, which investigated 17 alleged fake

encounters in Gujarat from 2002 to 2006, has recommended

prosecution of police officials in three cases.

In its final report filed in the Supreme Court,

Justice Bedi said Sameer Khan, Kasam Jafar and Haji Ismail

were prima facie killed in fake encounters.

It indicted nine police officials, including three

inspector-rank officers, in the three cases. However, it has

not recommended prosecution of any IPS officer or politician.

Appearing before the media, family members of the

three victims said the report did not probe the role of senior

police officers and politicians.

Sarfaraz Khan, Sameer Khan's father, said, "We respect

the probe report but demand that the Supreme Court direct Justice Bedi to further investigate the roles of senior police

officers and politicians."

Relatives of others two victims echoed the demand.

The relatives of two of the victims, who were

offered Rs 10 lakh and Rs 14 lakh by the committee, said the

money was too little and sought Rs 1 crore in compensation.

"I have five children and we have been fighting for

justice for last thirteen years. Who would take care of my

children? Had they (top politicians) wanted, the police officers

could have been punished," said Jafar's wife Mariam Bibi.

Her husband was killed by the police when he was on

pilgrimage to Mehsana from Ahmedabad and the family, which lived in Mumbai, was handed the body after seven days, she said.

"I need more compensation for the murder. Rs 1 crore is what we demand," she said.

Grandson of Haji Ismael, Mehrab, said his father

and grandfather were abducted by police in the presence of a senior IPS officer from Lonavala. His grandfather was killed in Umargam.

"We want justice for my grandfather. I am here to

request Supreme Court to direct Justice Bedi to investigate

the case in depth," said Mehrab, who lives in Mumbai.

Lawyer Anand Yagnik said the report is not acceptable

to the family members of the victims who will be approaching

the Supreme Court which is hearing the case.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)