Gujarat: CBI judge probing Amit Jethva murder case refuses security

Read |  What is Amit Jethva murder case 

On Bikhabhai’s petition, justice S H Vora sought para-wise remarks of Dave, who on May 15 and June 2 wrote letters, seeking security cover on the ground of “sensitivity”of the cases he is presiding over. Following the High Court’s order, a report in sealed cover was placed before justice Vora along with the confidential letter of the special judge stating that he does not require any special security.

Justice Vora while disposing of the petition of Bikhabhai on November 1 wrote that no order is required to be passed in this case. However, the order stated that since the Dave has been “entrusted with many sensitive cases and in response to his letters written in May and June, the Superintendent of Police, CBI, wrote on August 31, informing the judge that “a concerned officer of state of Gujarat has been requested for providing adequate security to special C.B.I. Judge — K M Dave.”

Justice Vora has stated in the order that CBI judge Dave doesn’t require any special security in connection with the aforementioned cases.” However, he has directed the registrar general “to look into the matter and move the state Government for taking appropriate decision…”

Amit Jethva was shot dead outside Gujarat High Court on July 20, 2010 for allegedly exposing illegal mining activities in Gir Forest area by former Junagadh BJP MP Dinu Bogha Solanki. During the trial, 105 witnesses of a total of 195 turned hostile, which led to fresh litigation in High Court and retrial was ordered. The High Court also ordered to change the then special CBI judge.

The High Court held that “it is brazen highhandedness of the accused persons which warrants fresh trial.” This order was challenged in Supreme Court, which directed to recall 26 crucial witnesses, including eight eye witnesses for fresh examination and set aside the order of retrial. Following this, the case was transferred to special judge K M Dave, who is conducting the trial in camera.

Dinu Solanki, his nephew Shiva Solanki, Shailesh Pandya, Bahadursinh Vadher, Panchan G Desai, Sanjay Chauhan and Udaji Thakore have been chargesheeted for murdering Jethva.