CBI takes over Vashisht probe

Manoj Vashisht died of a bullet injury received during a scuffle with policemen of the Special Cell on May 16 at Sagar Ratna restaurant in Rajendra Nagar of Central Delhi, with forensic reports suggesting he was killed by a bullet from his own gun.

Vashisht’s case was brought before Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh by the wife of the deceased and some organisations from neighbouring Noida who had demanded a CBI probe.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav had also assured the family of Vashisht, hailing from Baghpat, that he would write to the Home Minister for a CBI probe.

CBI on Thursday took over the case from Special Investigation Team (SIT) that had been constituted by the Delhi Police after the incident.

The CBI registered a fresh case under Section 186 (obstructing public servant in discharge of public functions), Section 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty) and Section 307 (attempt to murder).

The SIT probe was being monitored by the Delhi High Court and earlier this week the team had submitted its report along with the CCTV footage of the restaurant besides forensic and ballistic reports.

The CCTV footage, according to SIT report submitted under oath, purportedly shows Vashisht whipping out a revolver and pointing it toward an inspector who had come to arrest him. In the ensuing scuffle recorded by CCTV, a gun shot rang out and the inspector was seen falling on the ground and Vashisht slumping on him.

Forensic, scientific and ballistic reports submitted to the court claimed Vashisht had died because of a bullet injury from the weapon he carried. Vashisht, who was wanted in several cases of fraud and other crimes, was taken to a nearby hospital where he was declared brought dead.

The report said another police official too had fired after the first gunshot was heard, but the bullet grazed past Vashisht and hit a mirror.