HC RAPS CBI, GIVES 2 WEEKS TO FILE FRESH STATUS REPORT

Pulling up the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for “slow pace of probe” in the Kotkhai gangrape and murder as well as the custodial death of an accused, the Himachal Pradesh high court on Wednesday, gave two weeks to the agency for filing fresh status report.

Unhappy over the CBI seeking more time, the HC asked the agency to show “results” in the probe within two weeks. The bench, headed by acting chief justice Sanjay Karol and justice Sandeep Sharma, has now listed the matter for September 21.

Seeking four weeks, the CBI told the court that it has to take the arrested accused to Ahmedabad for tests. The trial court recently granted permission to carry out lie detector test of Ashish Chauhan, Rajender Singh, Subhash Singh Bisht, Deepak alias Deepu, and Lok Jung. Director general of police (DGP) Somesh Goyal also appeared in person before the bench. On August 17, the CBI was directed to complete the probe in two weeks. But the investigation was not completed and the agency moved an application for an extension.

Inspector general (southern range) Zahur H Zaidi, additional superintendent of police (rural) Bhajan Dev Negi, DSP Theog Manoj Joshi and other members of the SIT and police officials, who investigated the case, had appeared before the bench on last date. On August 29, the CBI arrested Zaidi and seven other cops in connection with the custodial death of an accused in the case.