'Amit Shah could influence probe if given bail'

Former Gujarat minister Amit Shah is an influential person, and if granted bail, could prove dangerous for investigation in the Sohrabuddin Sheikh fake encounter case, said Sohrabuddin's brother Rubabuddin through his lawyer before a special Central Bureau of Investigation court in Ahmedabad on Friday.

The submission was made before special CBI judge G K Upadhyay hearing Rubabuddin's plea to become a party in opposing Shah's bail plea.

Rubabuddin's counsel Mukul Sinha contended that his client was the original complainant upon whose petition the Supreme Court asked state Crime Investigation Department to probe into killing of Sohrabuddin and later transferred the case to CBI.

Sinha submitted that Shah was an influential person, and if granted bail, could prove dangerous for investigation and could hamper further probe. He also submitted that Shah through police officers and criminals tried to bribe Rubabuddin and later threatened him when he refused to withdraw the case.

Therefore, the court should listen to him before granting bail to Shah, Sinha said.

Shah's counsel Nirupam Nanavati vehemently opposed Rubabuddin's plea and urged the court that there was no need to join him as a party in the bail proceeding.

Judge Upadhaya after hearing the arguments kept the order reserved till August 30.