‘Only study trip, report in a week’

The team took copies of these papers, some 1000 pages, and member Ajit Bharihoke said the report would be submitted to the commission within a week.

When asked whether it would work on re-opening the case in light of the statements given by Sehrunissa that she had lied in court ‘‘trembling with fear’’ and Zaheera’s allegations that a BJP MLA and a Congress councillor were among those who had threatened her, he refused to comment. Later, Special Rapporteur to the Commission P G J Nampoothiri told The Indian Express that though the statements issued by Zaheera and Sehrunissa could be considered ‘‘later on,’’ the visit was primarily to study the Best Bakery case papers.

Interestingly, BJP MLA Madhu Srivastava, who had accompanied Zaheera to court on the day of her testimony — was present at the Circuit House complex for almost the entire day. Later, even his cousin and Congress councillor, Chandrakant Srivastava arrived at the Circuit House. The two, however, did not approach the NHRC team as was being speculated.

Another witness in the case, Lal Mohammad, whom Sehrunissa had accused of threatening her, also made a representation to the NHRC denying any threats to the family.

On arrival at the Circuit House at 10.45 am, the NHRC team went to meet Police Commissioner Sudhir Sinha. Significantly, the then Detection of Crime Branch (DCB) Inspector, P P Kanani, who investigated the case was also present and according to sources, the team asked him question pertaining to various aspects of the investigations, including the statements given by Zaheera and Sehrunissa before the police.

Later, Kanani told reporters: ‘‘The fact that barring one, none of the accused were given bail till the verdict was delivered clearly suggests that my investigations were right.’’

He, however, refused to comment on the strictures passed by the fast-track court which acquitted all the 21 accused.

After the meeting with the police commissioner, the team left for the Nyay mandir complex for a meeting with District Judge J C Upadhyaya to examine the judgment and the documents placed before the court of fast-track judge H U Mahida.

At the hour-long meeting, the team is reported to have sought records of the evidence placed on record by the police. The district judge had sought papers from the fast-track court on Monday itself. The team, however, could not meet Sessions judge Mahida who is on leave.

Despite speculation that they would visit Ekta Nagar and Hanuman Tekri, the NHRC members chose not to do so. Later, at the Circuit House, various NGOs including PUCL, political parties and some residents of Hanuman Tekri submitted memorandums to the NHRC team.