The Hindu : Front Page : Nanavati panel takes note of Pandya’s remarks

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Tuesday, Oct 30, 2007
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Nanavati panel takes note of Pandya’s remarks

Manas Dasgupta

AHMEDABAD: The G.T. Nanavati and K.G. Shah judicial Inquiry Commission probing the Godhra train carnage and the 2002 post-Godhra communal riots in Gujarat, has taken cognisance of the remarks of the former government pleader, Arvind Pandya, against the commission, but deferred any “action” until it verifies facts.

Mr. Justice Nanavati told journalists that Mr. Pandya’s comments were more serious than contempt of court and could have serious consequences, but said the commission was in no hurry to take any action. “We need to know the full facts. We also have to ascertain how reliable the Tehelka exposé is,” Mr. Justice Nanavati said.

The State government, through the Home Department, submitted a compact disc containing footage of the Tehelka exposé, “Operation Kalank,” telecast on television channels carrying confessions of the rioters about their involvement in the 2002 riots and the actions of others, including Chief Minister Narendra Modi.

The government also submitted an application and, according to Mr. Justice Shah, through it the government requested the commission to take “appropriate action” on the telecast of the programme. The CD also contained the remarks made by Mr. Pandya. Following the exposé, Mr. Pandya resigned as the government pleader.

The sting operation showed Mr. Pandya making derogatory remarks about the commission members.

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