Ishrat Jahan encounter case: Vanzara writes to CBI for early hearing in Ishrat case

A day after the Ishrat Jahan encounter case was shifted to another special CBI judge, a key accused, retired IPS officer DG Vanzara, on Wednesday moved an application before the investigation agency seeking its approval to advance the date of the hearing which has been adjourned till May 30 by the previous judge who recused.

The application moved through Vanzara’s lawyer V D Gajjar to the CBI stated that in view the Bombay High Court order which modified his bail condition last week, allowing him to enter Gujarat in connection with the Sohrabudin Sheikh encounter case. However, due to a condition stated for bail to Vanzara in the Ishrat Jahan case, he still can’t leave Mumbai.

CBI sources said that Vanzara wants to place the Bombay HC’s order before the special CBI court in Ahmedabad, where his bail modification application is pending for one year. When contacted, Gajjar confirmed that he sent a letter to CBI counsel RC Kodekar for approval for starting the hearing early. On February 11, special CBI judge V B Gohil recused from hearing the case and adjourned it till May 30. On Tuesday, the case was assigned to another special judge, S J Raje.