CBI CLAIMS RUBABUDDIN IS ‘MISSING’, FPJ TRACES HIM
The prosecution — Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) — in the alleged staged encounter case of Sohrabuddin Sheikh seems to have lost "hope" in the trial. The reason is obvious — the prime prosecution witnesses are turning hostile on a daily basis. For this 'approach', the prime agency of the country is already facing flak and has invited embarrassment, which is not limited only to the courtroom.
The prosecution once again deserves to be criticised for misleading the special CBI court by informing it that the two brothers of Sohrabuddin Nayabuddin and Rubabuddin - have suddenly gone 'missing' and are 'untraceable'. The CBI officer informed the special Judge Sunil Sharma on Friday that both Nayabuddin and Rubabuddin have been untraceable.
While Nayabuddin was to depose on Friday, Rubabuddin, who has dragged all senior IPS officers to the Bombay High Court, was due to step into the witness box on August 6.
The CBI claimed that the brothers have been missing despite the officer Vishwas Meena personally visiting their village in Bhopal. The Free Press Journal, has, however managed to trace Rubabuddin, who has accused the agency of misleading the court.
In an exclusive conversation with the FPJ, Rubabuddin said, "I am very much in Bhopal and not missing or untraceable, the way CBI has claimed. I received a call some months back from an officer but after that there has been no conversation. That time I did not divulge the details of my whereabouts since I fear these police officers can kill me in a fake encounter like my brother."
Rubabuddin further informed, he wants to depose before the court and testify but has not received any summons. "I am yet to get court summons to depose as a witness. Without the summons I cannot depose. The moment I receive a copy, I will myself come to the court," Rubabuddin confirmed.
On the other hand, CBI officer Vishwas Meena has informed the court that he sent a summon to Rubabuddin through WhatsApp.
Just like his brother Shahnawazuddin Sheikh, who did not turn up for his deposition in the court on Saturday, Rubabuddin too seeks sufficient police protection before entering the court.
"I have not received any threat call but yes I seek protection for myself and my family. Especially after the attack on me in 2016 by some members of Vishwas Hindu Parishad (VHP). I would have died had my security personnel did not intervene," Rubabuddin, who is guarded by two armed constables, said.
Meanwhile, Shahnawazuddin who was due to depose in court on Saturday, did not turn up for rectification. He cited "health issues" for his failure to attend the court.
While speaking to the FPJ, Shahnawazuddin said, "Yes, it is true that I did not come to the court because I am not well. Now the court has directed me to appear on August 20, I will come on that day only if I get proper police security. Especially in view of the recent incidents of lynching at various parts of India. I fear that someone can lynch me."
In an exclusive conversation with the FPJ, Rubabuddin said, “I am very much in Bhopal and not missing or untraceable, the way CBI has claimed. I received a call some months back from an officer but after that there has been no conversation. That time I did not divulge the details of my whereabouts since I fear these police officers can kill me in a fake encounter like my brother.”