CBI backs Bilkis on transfer plea

Supporting Bilkis Yaqub Rasool, who was gangraped during the post-Godhra riots, the CBI today said the complicity of state police officials in the crime has been exposed during investigations. The statement came on an application moved by Bilkis, seeking transfer of the case from Gujarat.

Solicitor General G.E. Vahanvati submitted before a bench that six police officers have been arrested by the CBI for their alleged role in the crime. ‘‘Bodies disappeared, heads chopped off and the complicity of police officials has come to the notice of the investigating agency,’’ the Solicitor-General said.

The bench, which had issued notice on the application, withdrew its order after Justice Sinha pointed out that transfer of a case could not be ordered on a mere application and it should be specifically requested for in a transfer petition filed before the apex court under section 406 of the CrPC.

Appearing for the victim, senior advocate Harish Salve said he would make all 20 accused in the rape case party to the petition and move it as early as possible. The court had transferred the investigations to the CBI, which filed the chargesheet on May 19. — (PTI)