Bootlegger encounter case: Fast-track court acquits cops

A court in Rajkot had ordered an inquiry after Salim’s mother Rehmat Miyana alleged that her son was killed by the accused without any provocation.

The court had issued a non-bailable warrant against the accused. The three had challenged the order passed by the Judicial Magistrate First Class,Rajkot and sought protection under section 197 of the CrPC.

Zala and the two other policemen shot at Miyana from point blank range on the left side of his chest on May 4,2004.

Zala had contended that he had fired from his service revolver in self-defence as Miyana had attacked him with a knife when he had gone to his house following the reports that he was selling country-made liquor.

Rehmat had also alleged that Zala was drunk at the time of incident.