HC asks govt to file report on shifting of SIT

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court on Wednesday directed the state government to file a statement on the transfer of the chief investigating officer of the special investigation team (SIT) probing the larger conspiracy behind the second Marad carnage. Meanwhile, the state police chief filed a statement on Wednesday justifying the transfer of chief investigating officer C M Pradeep Kumar. “The SIT, appointed on June 30, 2011, has been conducting a detailed investigation into the case. More than 170 witnesses have been questioned so far. The SIT has never been dissolved and is still functioning under the supervision of ADGP (Crimes) Vinson M Paul. Pradeep Kumar has been transferred as the superintendent of police, Human Rights Commission. So it is not proper for him to be the chief investigating officer,” the DGP said.The DGP said that Kozhikode Crime Branch SP P A Valsan, a member of the SIT, is proposed to be appointed as the chief investigating officer. The statement was filed in response to a petition filed by Kolakkadan Moosa Haji of Kozhikode seeking a CBI probe into the larger conspiracy behind the second Marad carnage. The petitioner submitted that a proper investigation was not possible since political leaders were involved in it, and the members of the SIT were transferred to other districts.The DGP pointed out that the state government had earlier requested the Centre for a CBI probe but that was not accepted. The court adjourned the case to February 22.