In a relief of sorts for the Gujarat government, the Supreme Court on Thursday rejected the plea for a Central Bureau of Investigation inquiry into the fake encounter killing of Sohrabuddin Sheikh and his wife Kausar Bi by the state police.
A Bench of Justices Tarun Chaterjee and P K Balasubramanyam, however, ruled that Inspector General of Police Geeta Johri would directly report to the apex court on the issue and posted the matter for further hearing on July 16.
While rejecting the CBI probe, the bench said it would personally monitor the investigation.
Sohrabuddin's brother Rubabuddin Sheikh had last week sought a direction from the Supreme Court for a CBI inquiry into the alleged killing of his sister-in-law Kausar Bi by the Gujarat police.
Gujarat police in an action-taken-report before the apex court has admitted that Kausar Bi was killed and her body was burnt a few days after her husband Sohrabuddin was killed in a fake encounter.
In an affidavit filed by Rubabuddin, he said that he has no faith in Gujarat police and the investigation be handed over to the CBI.
He also sought that senior police officer Rajneesh Rai be reinstated to investigate the case.