EX-HC judge to probe ambush, Dubey’s death
LUCKNOW/NEW DELHI: The Uttar Pradesh government on Sunday constituted a one-member commission to probe the Kanpur ambush that killed eight policemen and the encounter in which Vikas Dubey was shot dead by police personnel, in what they say was an act of self defence while the gangster tried to escape custody while in transit.
The decision comes amid experts and former police officials pointing out that there are several unanswered questions about the manner in which the encounter took place.
UP governor Anandiben Patel on Sunday appointed retired Allahabad high court judge Shashi Kant Agarwal to probe the incidents and submit a report within two months, according to a government notification.
Any change in its tenure shall be at the behest of the government, the order said.
The panel was set up under the Commission of Inquiries Act, 1952 and it will be based in Kanpur.
The statement also said the commission will probe the gangster’s “relationship” with police and other officials, and suggest ways to prevent such a repetition in future.
Dubey and his gang members are believed to have been alerted by some police officials about an impending raid in Bikru village of Kanpur Dehat on July 3, allowing them to prepare for the pre-dawn ambush in which eight Uttar Pradesh police personnel including the deputy superintendent of police were killed.
On Sunday, a police officer -who was suspended and arrested for his alleged role in passing on crucial information to Dubey -has moved the Supreme Court seeking protection in the wake of encounters in which the gangster