Ahmedabad: Suspended IPS officer Sanjeev Bhatt, who had accused Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi of complicity in 2002 post-Godhra riots, was arrested today following a complaint by a police constable.
Bhatt was being questioned in connection with an FIR filed against him by Constable K D Pant, who had worked under him during the 2002 riots.
He has been accused of threatening a public servant, fabricating false evidence and wrongful confinement.
“Bhatt has been arrested and is being questioned,” City Police Commissioner Sudhir Sinha said.
Pant alleged that Bhatt had threatened and made him sign a “false” affidavit about a high-level meeting called by Modi on February 27, 2002 after the Godhra train attack in which 59 persons were killed.
According to Bhatt, Modi is alleged to have said at the meeting that the Hindus should be allowed to vent their anger and that Muslims should be taught a lesson. “Bhatt has been brought in for questioning with regard to the FIR against him in the Ghatlodia police station. His statement will be recorded.” Gujarat DGP Chitranjan Singh told PTI. Bhatt has received a notice issued to Gujarat Police with regard to the case from the Supreme Court on his petition, Singh added.
He was taken to the Ghatlodia police station by ACP N C Patel, police said.According to Pant’s FIR, on June 16 he got a call from Bhatt asking him to come to his residence for some work. (PTI)