Trying to find out if Ishrat was a terrorist: Shinde

In the backdrop of a controversy brewing between the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and the Central Bureau of Investigation

In the backdrop of a controversy brewing between the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) over the Ishrat Jahan encounter case,Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde Wednesday said,The culprits shall be punished.

Shinde also said he was trying to find out if Ishrat was a terrorist. I am trying to get information on that, Shinde said when asked whether or not the 19-year-old girl was a terrorist. The MHA has asked the NIA to clarify the statement given by 26/11 mastermind David Coleman Headley to FBI in which it was claimed that Headley had described Ishrat as an LeT recruit.

The CBI,which is probing the encounter,has alleged that IB Special Director Rajinder Kumar and three other IB officials were aware about the fake encounter and were instrumental in killing of Ishrat and three others in June 2004.

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The MHA on Tuesday received a letter from the Urban Development Ministry written by Under Secretary R V S Mani in which he reported that he was questioned by the CBI regarding the two affidavits filed by the MHA in the case. Mani was posted as Under Secretary in the MHA between 2006 and 2009 when the two affidavits were filed.

The CBI has sought file notings of the two affidavits suspecting that it was Kumar who reportedly drafted the first affidavit. The MHA has sought legal opinion on sharing the file details with the CBI.

Shinde accepted that divergence of opinion existed between the IB and the CBI. I know there has been difference of opinion but we will get all the information, Shinde said. He,however,denied receiving any letter from IB Director Asif Ibrahim lodging protests against the CBI probe suggesting involvement of Kumar.

Modi will address a rally in the district and open the Purnea airport that will provide air connectivity to several metro cities, fulfilling a longstanding demand in the Seemanchal region.

PM Modi to open Purnea airport, launch Makhana Board in Monday’s visit to poll-bound Bihar

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PM Modi will visit Purnea, Bihar, on Monday to inaugurate projects worth Rs 36,000 crore, including an airport and launch the National Makhana Board. The visit is aimed at boosting development and addressing the neglected Seemanchal region. PM will also announce projects worth Rs 35,461 crore and distribute benefits to beneficiaries under different schemes.

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