The Special Investigation Team (SIT) appointed by the Supreme Court to enquire into the 2002 Gujarat communal violence has issued summons to Chief Minister Narendra Modi to appear before it for questioning on March 21.
This is for an enquiry in pursuance of a petition submitted by Zakia Jaffrey, widow of Ehsan Jaffrey, former Congress Member of Parliament, who was murdered during the Gulberg Society riots on February 28, 2002.
This enquiry is not to be confused with the nine other cases relating to the Gujarat pogrom against Muslims, which are under trial.
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The SIT, headed by former director of the Central Bureau of Investigation, R.K. Raghavan -- a man known for his courage, integrity, and independence -- is looking into complaints against Mr. Modi and is to submit its report to the Supreme Court by April 30.
Ms Zakia Jaffrey had filed a 100-page complaint alleging conspiracy against Mr. Modi and 62 others, including his Cabinet colleagues.
The questioning of Mr. Modi will conclude the enquiry. According to informed sources, a large number of witnesses have been examined and valuable material collected in this enquiry.
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