The CBI is believed to have traced 16 of the 23 “missing” files related to the Babri Masjid case, and is now trying to ascertain if the seven documents requisitioned by the Allahabad HC were among the files. However, sources said the recovered files were in a very bad state.

The documents include a telex from then PM Jawaharlal Nehru to the UP government for removal of the idols installed in the Babri Mosque in 1949 and correspondence between the state and the then Faizabad DM. Despite repeated directions from the HC, the state had failed to find these documents. Later, it informed the court that as many as 23 files pertaining to the case were missing.

On July 10, the government lodged an FIR regarding the missing files at the Hazratganj police station in Lucknow and later recommended a CBI probe. On July 15, the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad HC expressed its unhappiness over the government’s handling of the matter and directed the CBI to probe the matter and submit a progress report before the court on August 24, the next date of hearing. The Bench was hearing the conflicting claims regarding the ownership of the shrine land.

Sources said the probe indicated that the documents were removed intentionally.