HC asks DGP to probe charges against ATS

AHMEDABAD: The Gujarat High Court on Friday directed the Director General of Police to inquire into the allegation of blackmail made by businessman Mohammed Shoaib Shaikh against senior police officials of the Anti-Terrorist Squad and BJP leader Kamlesh Tripathi.
Shaikh, living at Juhapura, had claimed that he was subjected to blackmail and intimidation by ATS officers and Tripathi.In his petition, Shaikh had claimed that these people had colluded to extract Rs 3 lakh under the threat of implicating him in false cases.
Girish Patel, appearing for the petitioner, contended that Shaikh had recorded the entire conversation with the officials and the CDs of it was submitted in the court. Patel submitted that Shaikh had made representation to authorities, but so far no action had been taken.
Patel, along with A K Mavalankar, prayed that Shaikh be given police protection and a direction may also be given to the authorities for appropriate action against the accused. They also sought an independent investigation into the matter by a senior officer.
Justice Anant Dave, after hearing the counsel, directed the DGP to apprise the court about the action taken against the officers and Tripathi. The next hearing of the case was scheduled for June 28.