Sohrabuddin case: CBI seeks custody of two accused cops

The Central agency sought 14-day custody of N K Amin and V A Rathod, arrested by the Gujarat CID which was earlier handling the case regarding the alleged fake encounter killing of Sohrabuddin Sheikh and his wife Kausar Bi.

Special CBI Judge V B Barot posted the hearing on the application to May 12 after Amin and Rathod opposed the plea, arguing that it was unwarranted as they have already been questioned by the CID.

The duo also sought 10 days time to hire a lawyer and opposed CBI's plea on legal grounds. However, CBI counsel L D Tiwari argued that two days are enough to avail legal aid.

Amin then contended that he will be defending himself in the court, while Rathod requested for a short period to arrange legal help. After hearing the arguments, the Judge posted the hearing on CBI's application for next week.

Amin was an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) with city Crime Branch when he was arrested on the basis of the statement of a witness. He was allegedly involved in the abduction of Sheikh and his wife.


Rathod, an Inspector, is accused of being involved in disposing of the body of Kausar Bi.

IPS officer and chief of state CID V V Rabari was also called for questioning by the CBI and is expected to remain present before the agency tomorrow.

CBI, having arrested DCP Abhay Chudasama in the fake encounter case, summoned seven retired and serving IPS officials, who dealt with the investigation process in the case when it was being probed by the Gujarat police.

The Supreme Court had handed over the investigation to the central agency in January this year on the petition by Sohrabuddin's brother Rubabuddin, who had sought a CBI probe in the case.