The Central Bureau of Investigation on Tuesday said it would accept the former Gujarat Deputy Superintendent of Police, Narendra Amin, as an approver and prosecution witness provided he was prepared to disclose before court all details of the Sohrabuddin Sheikh-Kausar Bi murder case.
In 2005, Gujarat policemen killed Sohrabuddin in a fake encounter, claiming that he was planning to kill Chief Minister Narendra Modi. Sheikh's wife, Kausar Bi, and their family friend, Tulsiram Prajapati, were also killed to destroy evidence.
The special CBI court here said it would take a decision on the investigating agency's offer after hearing on Friday the objections to Mr. Amin's application for turning approver raised by the eight co-accused including the prime accused, the former DIG, D. G. Vanzara. The court asked all the accused to remain present that day, when they would be given copies of the charge sheet submitted by the CBI. One of the principal accused, the former Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abhay Chudasma, was given a copy on Tuesday at the behest of the court.
The CBI accepting Mr. Amin's offer to turn approver could spell danger for the other accused, including the former Gujarat Minister of State for Home, Amit Shah, who has been described by CBI advocate K.T.S. Tulsi, as the “kingpin” of the entire episode. Mr Amin, a qualified medical practitioner before he became police officer, is believed to have detailed knowledge of the elimination of Kausar Bi — an issue that has remained unsolved by both the State CID (Crime), which was investigating the case earlier, and the CBI.
