The J-K High Court today ordered the CBI to take action against ‘‘the people from politics, administration and police’’ who are using their official position to threaten witnesses and victims in the sex scandal case.The agency has been directed to ‘‘seek shifting of such persons by the competent authority’’, so that they are not in a position to hamper the process of investigation or tamper with evidence.‘‘If required, the Court would also examine the advisability of assessing the level of accusations (against the persons threatening the victims) and requisite action in each and pass appropriate orders,’’ the order passed by the Division Bench comprising Justice B A Kirmani and Justice Hakeem Imtiaz Hussain said. The court also reiterated its direction for the lawful custodial interrogation of all persons ‘‘substantially accused’’ of being involved in the scam. This is in addition to the test identification parade which the court earlier made mandatory for verifying the authenticity of the statements made by the victims, before any action is taken against the named persons.‘‘While reiterating the earlier direction passed in the matter, we further direct that the investigating agency continue the investigation more speedily and take effective steps in furtherance of the investigation including lawful custodial interrogation of all persons substantially accused,’’ the court order said.The court also directed the CBI to take ‘‘all necessary lawful steps’’ against the hotels and places identified to have been used in the scandal. The court took serious exception to the lack of action against these ‘‘places and the persons associated with them.’’
