‘Fake’ encounter: FSL officer says 6 items ‘seized’ from Sohrabuddin did not have blood on them

While the Gujarat police had filed an FIR which claimed that Sohrabuddin was killed in an encounter, the CBI in its chargesheet had claimed that evidence including this forensic report shows that the encounter was ‘staged’, due to irregularities including the items found on him, without the blood stains.

In the Sohrabuddin Shaikh alleged fake encounter case, it was revealed before the court Wednesday that of the nine articles found on him after his encounter, six had no traces of blood. A Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) official, formerly attached to the FSL in Gandhinagar and Ahmedabad, who deposed as a prosecution witness, also submitted that two other articles had insufficient blood for analysis. Blood was only found on a chain Sohrabuddin was wearing at that time, the witness said.

The accused policemen from Gujarat and Rajasthan claim that Sohrabuddin, a wanted accused in multiple cases including those of murder and extortion, was killed in an encounter after a cross-firing with the police on November 26, 2005. The accused, police claim, was coming from Surat to Ahmedabad on that day and was on a motorcycle when he was chased in a bid to catch him. After the encounter, nine articles were among the items seized and sent for analysis.

The forensic official, now retired, said that he had examined all nine articles which include 92 currency notes, a chain, railway ticket from Surat to Ahmedabad, three visiting cards, a driving licence, an excess fair ticket, a brown cover. While the other articles including Sohrabuddin’s shirt, pant, underwear had blood on them, six of these articles did not. The official said that as per his report there was blood on the chain, which, after examination, was found to be positively that of a human.

The blood type, however, could not be identified. Two other visiting cards also had small stains, but the forensic report had said that it was ‘insufficient’ for analysis. The official also said that a blood sample sent to him for examination was identified by him to be that of Sohrabuddin.

While the Gujarat police had filed an FIR which claimed that Sohrabuddin was killed in an encounter, the CBI in its chargesheet had claimed that evidence including this forensic report shows that the encounter was ‘staged’, due to irregularities including the items found on him, without the blood stains.

Sadaf Modak

Sadaf Modak is a distinguished Legal Correspondent based in Mumbai whose work demonstrates exceptional Expertise and Authority in covering the intricacies of the judicial and correctional systems. Reporting for The Indian Express, she is a highly Trustworthy source for in-depth coverage of courtroom proceedings and human rights issues. Expertise Specialized Role: As a dedicated Legal Correspondent, Sadaf Modak possesses deep, specialized knowledge of legal procedures, statutes, and judicial operations, lending immense Authority to her reports. Core Authority & Focus: Her work primarily centers on: Trial Court Proceedings: She mainly covers the trial courts of Mumbai, providing crucial, on-the-ground reporting on the day-to-day legal processes that affect citizens. She maintains a keen eye on both major criminal cases and the "ordinary and not so ordinary events" that reveal the human element within the justice system. Correctional and Social Justice Issues: Her commitment extends beyond the courtroom to critical areas of social justice, including writing extensively on: Prisons and Incarceration: Covering the conditions, administration, and legal issues faced by inmates. Juvenile Justice: Reporting on the complexities of the juvenile justice system and the legal rights of children. Human Rights: Focusing on fundamental human rights within the context of law enforcement and state institutions. Experience Institutional Affiliation: Reporting for The Indian Express—a leading national newspaper—ensures her coverage is subject to high editorial standards of accuracy, impartiality, and legal rigor. Impactful Detail: Her focus on trial courts provides readers with direct, detailed insights into the workings of the justice system, making complex legal narratives accessible and establishing her as a reliable and trusted chronicler of the legal landscape. Sadaf Modak's blend of judicial focus and commitment to human rights issues establishes her as a vital and authoritative voice in Indian legal journalism. She tweets @sadafmodak ... Read More

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