2002 riots: State cancels public prosecutor’s appointment

The state government on Monday evening cancelled the appointment of J M Panchal,one of the three special public prosecutors (SPP) in the High Court for all the 2002 riot cases,with immediate effect. Panchal,however,continues to be the SPP in the Sabarmati Train carnage case,which was handed over to the Supreme Court-appointed Special Investigation Team.

The trial in this case is on in one of the seven special designated courts.

Confirming the news,Panchal said that he received the intimation from the government pleader’s office in the High Court. But he added that no reason has been cited for this.

State Law Secretary M H Shah refused to comment on the issue.