JOIN USThe disclosure made by Rohini Salian, former special public prosecutor in the Malegaon blasts case, that she was under pressure from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to go “soft” in the case is very disturbing. It raises serious questions about the NIA’s professional integrity and the government’s commitment to justice and equality before the law. The
NIA was formed after the 26/11 attack for efficient investigation of terror cases. It took over the investigation of the Malegaon case from Maharashtra’s Anti-Terrorism Squad which had found that the blasts were perpetrated by a Hindu group. Investigations led to the involvement of Hindu groups in other cases like the Ajmer Sharif and Hyderabad Mecca Masjid blasts of 2007 and the Samjhauta Express attack. The expression Hindu terror is wrong because terrorism has no religion, but investigations revealed that Hindu groups were actively involved in these incidents.
It is for the state, represented by the government, to investigate and prosecute all cases of terror fairly and justly, without consideration of religion, caste, class or any other group to which the accused might belong. It is this responsibility that has been called into question by Salian’s revelations. She has said that she was under pressure ever since the new government came to power last year. Salian is known for her competence, sincerity and professional integrity and there is no reason to doubt her statement. If the NDA government is trying to help out the accused because they are Hindus, it will send a bad message to the nation, the minorities and the international community about its commitment to justice. The BJP has always stood for strong action against terror, but the standards and attitude should not be different when the culprits belong to the majority community.
It is unfortunate if the NIA, like the CBI, gives in to pressure from the government and manipulates cases to suit the wishes of the government of the day. Its professional credibility will be seriously damaged if it acts as a handmaiden of the government. What the government tries to do will shake the faith of the people in the independence and the impartiality of the justice system. It will also have no right to criticise Pakistan for shielding Hafiz Saeed and Zaki-ur-Rahman Lakhvi if it protects the accused in terror cases like Malegaon case. The Supreme Court had ordered trial in the case in a special court by a special judge. It should ensure that the course of justice is not derailed, if the government persists with its attempt to subvert the rule of law.