'Witness protection is the highest priority for us at the SIT'

R K Raghavan, former CBI director and head of the Supreme Court appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT), now has a new role cut out for him by the apex court. Lifting the stay on trials of nine controversial Gujarat riot cases of 2002, the SC ordered on May 1, day-to-day hearing by six fast track courts and armed the SIT with sweeping powers to ensure their ‘smooth’ and ‘satisfactory’ progress.
Restricting the role of the Gujarat government, it directed that the SIT’s opinion on appointment of public prosecutors and providing protection to witnesses would be ‘final and binding’. The court has given SIT a right to consult high courts for establishment of fast-track courts. As the SIT head, Raghavan will be monitoring the cases and appraising the SC every three months. The highly politicised cases are expected to be wrapped up by the fast track courts within one year’s time. “Witness protection would be the highest priority for us,” he told Deepak K Upreti of Deccan Herald in an exclusive interview.
Raghavan, who is also chairman of the Anti-Ragging Monitoring Committee is now a busy “multi-tasking former cop”. Short of time, the former IPS officer answered questions on his car journey to airport. “I am answerable only to the court and to my conscience,” he summed up his thoughts on the current tangled assignment. Excerpts:

What role has been assigned by the Supreme Court to the SIT?

To place all facts of our investigation into the Godhra and eight related cases before the fast track courts formed by the Gujarat high court.
Does it anyway alter the status of the SIT, which has already investigated the cases?
Not at all.

What do you think is the most important step to ensure a fair and independent trial in the Gujarat cases?

Efficient and fair-minded judges, honest prosecutors and fearless witnesses. Yes, witness protection is the highest priority for us.

Are witnesses still feeling threatened? Would they be taken out of Gujarat?

Not that I know of. We are providing for the worst-case scenario.

Are you receiving cooperation from the Gujarat administration? How many politicians have been named in the charge sheets?

Yes, we are receiving the kind of cooperation we desire.

Don’t you think the long delay may force many key witnesses to slip out or change their stand? What incentives witnesses have to be available and be around when trials don’t reach quick conclusions?
We do not anticipate this problem. Victims and their close ones will not ordinarily change track.
How many of the fast track courts for the trial of nine cases would be set up in jails?
Only one, viz, the Godhra carnage will be tried at Sabarmati jail court.
You have handled several high profile cases in the past. How is the present task different in terms of investigation and experience?
I have the backing of the highest court of the land. This makes the difference. I am answerable only to the court and to my conscience.
SIT has been empowered to monitor the progress of the cases and report back to the SC once in three months. Are you hopeful that the trial and justice in these highly controversial cases could be wrapped up within one year?
That is my hope.
As chairman Anti-Ragging Monitoring Committee, all your recommendations have been accepted by the Supreme Court. What are the implications?
Ragging will no longer go unpunished. And the accountability of college management and administration has gone up many fold.
Why is our system is so reactive instead of being pro-active? Why do we always need a tragic incident to take remedial steps?
This is a national characteristic. Will change only after many generations.
Would you like to suggest some administrative measures to prevent riots experienced by Gujarat in 2002?
I am not competent to answer this question.
You were around when the Sriperumbudur blast took place killing Rajiv Gandhi. You recovered the camera that possibly led to the killers. But you came under severe criticism from many quarters. How do you explain that?
This is the fate of many conscientious policemen!
Any regrets joining the IPS and not becoming a ‘management guru’ that you possibly aspired to be at an early stage?
Not at all. If I am something in society today, it is because of my labours as a cop.
Lastly, did you as the head of SIT, interact with or meet Chief Minister Narendra Modi?
No.