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CBI court gags media from reporting on Sohrabuddin Sheikh encounter case trial

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9 years ago

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CBI court gags media from reporting on Sohrabuddin Sheikh encounter case trial

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Court’s order comes at a time when the mysterious death of CBI judge BH Loya in 2014, who at the time was presiding over the case, has triggered a sensation

Amid renewed interest in the Sohrabuddin Sheikh fake encounter case following conflicting news reports over the mysterious death of a judge who was presiding over the trial in 2014, a special CBI court in Mumbai, on Wednesday, banned the media from reporting on the proceedings of the trial.

“It may happen that the publication may create security problem for the accused persons, prosecution witnesses, the defence team and the prosecutor as well. I, therefore, find justification in the request of the defence team of lawyers. The application is allowed,” Additional Sessions Judge SJ Sharma said in his order on Wednesday.

While ordering the “complete ban on print, electronic and social media” reporting on the case, special CBI judge Sharma said: “Considering the sensitivity in the matter, likelihood of happening of any untoward incident and likelihood of effect on the trial of this matter, in case of day-to-day publication of evidence that may be brought on record, I am of the view not to allow media to make publication of any of the proceeding during the trial in the matter until further order.”

While the court order does not expressly mention whether or not the media will be allowed to attend the trial, reporters who were present in the courtroom when judge Sharma imposed the gag said that they were orally informed that they could sit in court while the proceedings go on.

The gag-order came on a handwritten request submitted by advocate Wahab Khan, counsel for Rajasthan policeman Abdul Rehman Khan – one of the accused in the alleged fake encounter case – in which he claimed: “Every day, a new development is being reported. The case already has a chequered history. We apprehend the security of witnesses, accused and even the defence lawyers (sic).”[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1512031835862{padding-top: 5px !important;padding-right: 5px !important;padding-bottom: 5px !important;padding-left: 5px !important;background-color: #dddddd !important;border-radius: 5px !important;}”]Mysterious death of CBI Judge BH Loya mentioned in court

The defence advocates also referred to reports on the mysterious death of CBI Judge BH Loya, who had died under mysterious circumstances in 2014 while presiding over the trial in the case, which was then being heard in Gujarat. Judge Loya’s family members have recently alleged – according to an investigative report carried in The Caravan magazine – that his death was from “unnatural” causes and that reports of him succumbing to a cardiac arrest were fabricated. However, two contrary reports – first in The Indian Express and then on NDTV – have sought to demolish the arguments built up in the Caravan article and quoted sitting judge of the Bombay High Court – Justice Bhushan Gavai – as saying that there was nothing suspicious in Judge Loya’s death.

The doubts raised over the cause of Judge Loya’s death – by a section of the media, the legal fraternity and Opposition parties – have provoked calls for an independent inquiry. It is pertinent to note that at the time when the 48-year-old Judge Loya was presiding over the Sohrabuddin Sheikh encounter trial, BJP national president Amit Shah was an accused in the case. Shah was later discharged in the case by the judge who took over from Judge Loya.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Other defence advocates appearing in the case also supported advocate Wahab Khan’s plea while special public prosecutor BP Raju submitted that the court may pass “appropriate orders” on the issue.

Reporters who were present during the proceedings told APNLive that some journalists made oral submissions before Judge Sharma, pleading that publication of the proceedings was in public interest, especially since the case was one that had evoked mass interest.

While the special CBI judge complimented the media for its “hard work and efforts to collect essential events and to publish them to make the public aware”, he said: “Even during collection of such events, number of incidents had happening in the past where many media persons had to face assault and suffer serious injuries.”

“However, in the proceedings…the popularly known case of the killing of Sohrabuddin, his wife, Kausarbi and their associate Tulsiram Prajapati….wherein the accused persons are none else but the police of Gujarat state, Rajasthan state and Andhra Pradesh and this case has been transferred to Mumbai court by the order of the Honourable Supreme Court. Number of witnesses have been examined by the state CID crime, Gujarat and CBI and the witnesses are police as well as private persons and in the past four years from the receipt of chargesheet, 15 accused who are the ministers of Gujarat and Rajasthan and high ranking police officers have been discharged, the matter appears sensational,” the court observed.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1512032405316{padding-top: 5px !important;padding-right: 5px !important;padding-bottom: 5px !important;padding-left: 5px !important;background-color: #e5e5e5 !important;border-radius: 5px !important;}”]Backgrounder to the alleged fake encounter case

In November 2005, Sohrabuddin Sheikh was traveling in a Sangli-bound bus from Hyderabad along with his wife Kausarbi and associate Tulsiram Prajapati. A police team had chased the bus and forced the three to de-board. Sohrabuddin, Kausarbi and Prajapati were then reportedly taken to Ahmedabad where Sheikh was allegedly killed. Kausarbi, a witness to the alleged murder of her husband by policemen, was also reportedly gunned down though later investigators in the case claimed that they never traced her remains. Prajapati, who had apparently escaped the encounter, was also allegedly killed in 2006.

In 2012, the Supreme Court had transferred the case to Mumbai after the CBI submitted that witnesses were being threatened and a free and fair trial was not possible in Ahmedabad under the circumstances.

Of the 38 original accused in the case, prominent persons who have so far been discharged on various grounds include former Gujarat anti-terrorism squad chief DG Vanzara and BJP national president Amit Shah.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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India offers forensic DNA support to identify Nepal flood victims

India will make forensic laboratory facilities available for DNA profiling of first-degree relatives of people missing after Nepal’s August 26 flash floods.

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4 hours ago

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September 4, 2026

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India has offered forensic laboratory support to help identify people who remain missing after the devastating flash floods in Nepal.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said central and state forensic laboratories in India will make their DNA profiling facilities available for first-degree biological relatives of people missing after the August 26 flash floods in Nepal.

DNA samples can be provided by relatives in India

According to the MEA, first-degree biological relatives living in India can have their biological samples collected and DNA profiles prepared.

The relatives can include a person’s father, mother, son, daughter or sibling. DNA profiling can be carried out at Central Forensic Science Laboratories (CFSLs), State Forensic Science Laboratories (SFSLs), laboratories of the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU), and NABL-accredited laboratories with DNA profiling capabilities.

The initiative is intended to support Nepal’s ongoing process of identifying mortal remains recovered after the flash floods.

DNA profiles to be compared with unidentified remains

The MEA said the DNA profiling may use Autosomal STR DNA profiling, as advised by Nepal Police, subject to the technical requirements communicated by the Nepali authorities.

Once prepared, DNA profiles and the preliminary information required by Nepalese authorities can be sent to Nepal Police by email for comparison with DNA profiles obtained from unidentified mortal remains.

The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu will also facilitate coordination, with copies of the DNA profiles to be shared with the embassy for this purpose.

Nepal flood death toll rises

The death toll from the flash floods has risen to at least 1,259, according to Nepalese authorities, after rescue workers recovered additional bodies from affected areas.

More than 12,000 people have been rescued, while around 5,000 people remain missing as search and rescue operations continue.

The flash floods, which followed an ice-rock avalanche near the Nepal-Tibet border, caused extensive destruction across towns and villages in northern and central Nepal.

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PM Modi hails ISRO after successful GSLV-F17 launch, calls it proud moment

PM Modi congratulated ISRO after GSLV-F17 successfully launched EOS-05, calling the achievement a proud moment for India.

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9 hours ago

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September 4, 2026

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday congratulated the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) after the successful launch of the GSLV-F17 rocket carrying the EOS-05 Earth observation satellite, describing the achievement as a proud moment for the nation.

The GSLV-F17 lifted off at 2:55 a.m. IST from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The EOS-05 satellite was subsequently placed into its designated sub-geosynchronous transfer orbit.

PM Modi praises ISRO’s growing capabilities

In a post on X, PM Modi said the successful mission reflected the excellence, innovation and expanding capabilities of India’s space sector.

He also highlighted the growing partnership between ISRO and Indian industry, saying it was strengthening India’s space programme and expanding capabilities across the wider space ecosystem.

The prime minister described the successful launch of GSLV-F17 carrying EOS-05 as another outstanding achievement by ISRO and a matter of national pride.

EOS-05 strengthens earth observation capabilities

According to the report, EOS-05 is India’s first-ever imaging satellite from geosynchronous orbit. The satellite is designed to provide continuous observation of the country from an altitude of nearly 36,000 km above Earth.

The mission is expected to strengthen India’s earth observation capabilities and support advanced imaging and observation applications.

ISRO Chairman Dr V Narayanan expressed satisfaction with the mission, saying the satellite was precisely injected into its intended orbit.

Mission Director Thomas Kurian described the launch as a significant milestone for the GSLV programme. He said it was the 19th flight of the GSLV and noted that EOS-05 is the heaviest satellite the launch vehicle has placed into a geosynchronous transfer orbit or sub-GTO orbit.

GSLV-F17 launch vehicle details

The GSLV-F17 stands 51.7 metres tall and has an approximate liftoff mass of 420.5 tonnes.

Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh also congratulated the ISRO team following the successful mission. He described EOS-05 as a state-of-the-art Earth observation satellite capable of advanced imaging across visible, infrared, multispectral and hyperspectral bands.

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Nagaland Assembly urges Centre to withdraw Protected Area Permit regime

Nagaland Assembly unanimously passed a resolution urging the Centre to withdraw the Protected Area Permit regime, citing concerns over tourism, investment and international engagement.

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9 hours ago

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September 4, 2026

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The Nagaland Legislative Assembly has unanimously passed a resolution urging the Centre to withdraw the Protected Area Permit (PAP) regime in the state, arguing that the restrictions are affecting tourism, investment, international engagement and economic opportunities.

The resolution was moved by Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Yanthungo Patton and was adopted through a voice vote.

PAP regime was reimposed in 2024

The Protected Area Permit regulates the entry of foreign nationals into notified areas. The regime had been relaxed in Nagaland in 2011 but was reimposed on December 17, 2024.

During the Assembly discussion, Patton said Nagaland had emerged as a peaceful destination for tourism, culture, investment, entrepreneurship and international engagement. He said these sectors were increasingly contributing to employment and livelihood opportunities, particularly for young people.

The resolution also highlighted events and initiatives such as the Hornbill Festival and the “Land of Festivals” initiative, saying they had helped showcase Nagaland and India’s cultural diversity internationally while generating economic opportunities for local communities and entrepreneurs.

Assembly links PAP restrictions to economic concerns

The state government argued that the return of the PAP regime has complicated efforts to expand international tourism, business and investment.

The Assembly resolution said the regime was creating difficulties for international tourism, business and investment, along with cultural exchanges and overseas partnerships.

However, the state maintained that relaxing the permit regime would not mean compromising national security.

The resolution assured the Centre that foreign nationals could continue to be registered, regulated and monitored through technology-based and institutional mechanisms in coordination with central agencies.

Neiphiu Rio backs review of PAP regime

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio also participated in the debate along with Tourism and Higher Education Minister Temjen Imna Along, Industries and Commerce Advisor Hekani Jakhalu and MLA Naiba Konyak.

The legislators maintained that Nagaland’s present circumstances warranted a different approach, stressing that the state was peaceful and seeking greater opportunities in tourism, investment and other sectors.

Rio linked the demand to Nagaland’s economic aspirations and the need to create more opportunities for young people while maintaining the state’s commitment to national security.

“Security and development can go together,” Rio said.

The resolution further argued that regulations that have outlived their developmental relevance should not become barriers to employment, economic activity and Nagaland’s participation in the wider national and global economy.

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