Ishrat SIT’s 4th chief takes charge

“The Central government had selected me as one of the candidates for this post. Being a government servant,it’s my duty to take up the post. The question of willingness or unwillingness doesn’t 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.”

SIT’s 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.