Two weeks ahead of the deadline for completing a probe into the 1993 Hari Masjid firing case, the CBI is looking at the possibility of seeking an extension.

“We have two weeks’ time. If the investigation is not complete by then, we will move an application seeking more time,” a CBI official said. The CBI had earlier claimed the incident would involve a simple investigation.

On December 18, 2008, the High Court directed the CBI to file a report within six months. The CBI filed an FIR in February against then police sub-inspector Nikhil Kapse, who was held “guilty of unjustified firing” by the Srikrishna Commission report.

The case pertains to the death of seven persons in police firing inside the mosque during the 1992-93 communal riots. Of the injured, Farooq Mapkar, chargesheeted for murder and rioting in 1992-93 and acquitted earlier this year, had urged the court to initiate action against Kapse.

Mapkar said he knew little of the progress of the investigation. “I’ve come to know that they are taking the statements of various people but the chargesheet has not been filed yet,” Mapkar said.

“Since the court has disposed of the matter, it is up to the CBI to file the report or approach the court,” said advocate Shakil Ahmed.