Gujarat DGP PP Pandey accused in the Ishrat Jahan encounter case, was relinquished from his post today. Pandey was on extension till April 30, but his extension was challenged by former cop IPS officer Julio Ribeiro seeking his removal.
Today supreme court disposed off the petition that was filed by IPS Ribeiro. Pandey’s retirement was due on January 31. He was granted an extension till April end by state government. IPS officer Julio Ribeiro who ex Gujarat DGP, whp had moved a petition in supreme court challenging PP Pandey’s promotion after his role in the Ishrat Jahan encounter case.
Officer Ribeiro’s lawyer said, “We told the court that Pandey’s tenure was extended through a notification for another three months after his superannuation. He is facing murder charges and has applied for discharge. CBI opposed the discharge application saying that he has a very significant role in the case . On April 1, after refusing to grant further extension, the Supreme Court had directed the solicitor general (ASG) who was representing the government to file a reply to the petition that challenged the elevation of PP Pandey by April 3.
PP Pandey was charge-sheeted by the CBI Central Bureau of Investigation for conspiracy, illegal confinement and murder along with other accused.
In 2004, Pandey was heading the Crime Branch of Gujarat when an encounter by the police took place which resulted in the death of 4 outside Ahmedabad on June 15. A 19-year-old girl identified as Ishrat Jahan, Javed Shaikh alias Pranesh Pillai, Amjadali Akbarali Rana and Zeeshan Johar were among the once who were killed in the encounter.
