Sanjiv Bhatt sees Gujarat govt as his biggest threat

Citing the broad daylight murder of social activist Nadeem Saiyed in Juhapura, a key witness in the Naroda-Patia massacre of 2002, suspended IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt has asked the state government to provide adequate security for him and his family.

Bhatt has raised concerns that like Saiyed he may also be targeted for deposing against the chief minister in connection with the 2002 riots. He stated this in his letter to RK Raghvan, chairman Special Investigation Team (SIT) which is probing the Godhra riot cases.

Stating that he is the only witness whose testimony directly links the chief minister to the 2002 riots, Bhatt claimed a threat to him and his family. He said his deposition has evoked several right-wing fundamentalists and the supporters of chief minister.

While reiterating for adequate and foolproof security, Bhatt claimed in his letter that the biggest threat to him and his family is from the chief minister himself.

The letter has also been marked to Varesh Sinha, additional chief secretary to government of Gujarat, home department and Chitranjan Singh, in-charge director general of police, Gujarat.

The letter, further states that given the present circumstances, it would be against the principle of prudence and personal security to rely on any state controlled agency for security cover.

Bhatt in his request letter has said that a PSO is not enough to deter a planned attempt to breach his security cover. He has requested that he be provided with a bullet-proof car and appropriate escort vehicle without delay.

Bhatt on Monday said he is yet to get a response to his letter.