Breaking: SC orders a 3 member panel probe in Hyderabad encounter

By: – Syed Ali Taher Abedi

The Apex Court on Thursday ordered a three member Judicial Inquiry which is to be headed by former SC Judge VC Sirpurkar into the encounter deaths of four men who allegedly raped and murdered a 26- year-old veterinary doctor on the outskirts of Hyderabad.

The four accused of the young Telangana women veterinarian’s gang-rape and Murder were shot dead by cops after they allegedly attempted to escape.

The panel which will be based out of Hyderabad will submit a report to Supreme Court in 6 months.

Apex court stays all proceedings initiated by Telangana HC and NHRC into Hyderabad encounter and directs that no other courts should entertain any plea pertaining to the case.

The Apex Court observed that “we are of the considered view that there should be an impartial inquiry into the encounter deaths of the four accused”

The Apex Court further said that “we are not saying police is guilty. WE don’t know. We will order a probe and you will co-operate”, the court said, adding, “There are aspects of your (Telangana) version which needed an inquiry.

The also issued a notice on electronic and print media, on a pleas by ML Sharma, to refrain from reporting on panel hearings.

On Nov 28, the whole nation was shocked by the news of rape-murder of a young women veterinarian on the outskirts of Hyderabad.

The three member commission is comprised of former Supreme Court Judge VS Sirpurkar, former Bombay High Court Judge Rekha Baldota and former CBI Chief B. Kartikeyan.

The Telanagana Government, represented by former Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi.

“It’s a matter of credibility. We don’t think your trial of nonexistent accused should come in the way of inquiry into what you did,” the chief justice said.

Read the Order Here