The state government recommended a CBI investigation on Friday into the case of 23 missing files pertaining to the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute.

Chief Minister Mayawati, who made the announcement, said: “This is a serious issue. Hence, my government has decided to hand over the investigation to the CBI.” Earlier in the day, the Home Department lodged an FIR with the Hazratganj Police Station regarding the missing files under Section 409 of the IPC, which deals with criminal breach of trust by a public servant. No one was named in the FIR.

The government action comes seven years after the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court, which is hearing a case arising out of conflicting claims over the disputed shrine, had first asked the government to submit seven documents. It was only last Tuesday that the government for the first time admitted before the court that not only those seven documents but also as many as 23 files were missing. During these seven years, the state has seen BJP-BSP, SP and BSP governments.

Mayawati said the seven documents were probably in the 23 files carried by Subhash Bhan Sadh, the then OSD in the Home Department, when he went to Delhi to appear before the Liberhan Commission in April 2000. The Delhi Police had said the OSD died in a rail accident, while his family alleged that he was murdered. The files he was carrying were never found. The Chief Minister pointed out that in 2000, a BJP-led government was in office in the state. The FIR with the Hazratganj Police Station was filed by A K Singh, a review officer with the Home Department.

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