Ishrat SITs 4th chief takes charge

Bihar-cadre police officer R R Verma on Thursday took over as the fourth chief of the SIT probing the 2004 Ishrat Jahan encounter.

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Bihar-cadre police officer R R Verma on Thursday took over as the fourth chief of the SIT probing the 2004 Ishrat Jahan encounter. Verma was appointed SIT chairman on July 15 after Andhra police officer J V Ramudu refused to take up the post.

Verma,a 1978-batch IPS officer,took charge this morning at the SIT officer at Shahibaug. He also intimated the Gujarat High Court of his arrival.

The Central government had selected me as one of the candidates for this post. Being a government servant,its my duty to take up the post. The question of willingness or unwillingness doesnt arise, said Verma,who is currently on deputation with the CISF as an additional DG. The other two SIT members,Satish Verma and Mohan Jha,briefed the new chief on the progress they had made into the investigation.

Asked about joining as SIT chief at a time when a major part of the investigation was over,R R Verma said,We have to produce a report in the Gujarat HC on August 4 but I believe the investigation will continue.

SITs first chief,Delhi Police officer Karnail Singh,had to opt out when he was transferred to Mizroram. He was succeeded by Satyapal Singh of the Maharashtra cadre,who wanted to be relieved within a few days of taking over.

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