Cong for probe by Independent SIT in death of Judge Loya

New Delhi: Alleging that the facts emerging in the case relating to deaths of Judge Brijgopal Harkishan Loya and that of Advocate Shrikant Khandalkar and retired Judge Prakash Thombre who helped him, raise a needle of suspicion in these happening, the Congress on Wednesday demanded a probe by an Independent SIT, monitored by the Supreme court, into the matter.

Addressing a joint press conference along with AICC spokeperson Salman Khurshid, head of the legal department of the AICC Vivek Tankha and AICC media incharge Randeep Surjewala, senior Congress leader and noted lawyer Kapil Sibal said the Congress would go to every village and every corner of the country if their demand to probe the matter by an independent Special Investigation Committee (SIT) was not met.

''After the statement by Judge Loya's sister expressing doubts over the circumstances around his death , new facts have emerged on the mysterious death of Judge Loya, who was hearing the Sohrabuddin fake encounter case, and the suspicious deaths of Advocate Khandalkar and Retd Judge Thombre, who helped Judge Loya that have raised a question mark on these happenings.

The Congress demands that an independent investigation be carried out on the sister's statement by the SIT which does not consist of any officers from the Central Bureau of Investigation and the NIA.

''If this is not done, we will go to every village and every corner of the country to ensure this be taken up. An inquiry should happen, and this should not be initiated though the PIL,'' Mr Sibal said.

On the Supreme Court hearing the matter through a public interest litigation (PIL), Mr Sibal said the judiciary was at risk.

''This is about safeguarding the judicial institution. How can someone decide on the matter through a PIL?'