In an Action Taken Report in the fake encounter killing case, submitted to the Supreme Court today, the Gujarat Government has reportedly said that one of the police officers arrested has confessed to his involvement in Sohrabuddin’s murder.

However, it was not known whether the confession was made by one of the three arrested IPS officers or by one of the policemen who were subsequently arrested. The report has not disclosed the name of the officer on the ground that the disclosure of any name at this stage may affect the ongoing probe.

The report, submitted by senior counsel K T S Tulsi, comes a day before the apex court is to decide on the question of ordering a CBI probe into the killings of Sohrabuddin, his wife Kausar Bi and an accomplice, Tusliram Prajapati.

The report says records of telephonic conversations before and after the encounter confirmed allegations against the accused and that more arrests were likely.

The report also says that the role of the Andhra Pradesh Police is also being investigated and a report will also be submitted on the issue.

On the controversy surrounding the shifting of Johri from the investigation after she conducted a preliminary inquiry, the report said there was no mala fide intention behind her transfer and added that under the Gujarat Government police rules, it is a normal practice to appoint an officer for conducting a preliminary investigation before handing over the probe to a different officer to avoid any conflict of interest.

... contd.