Ahmedabad: As a major embarrassment for the BJP, former Gujarat minister Maya Kodnani, along with ex-VHP leader Jaydeep Patel, has been remanded to police custody for 4 days after they surrendered before the Special Investigation team after the Gujarat High court cancelled their aniticpatory bail on Friday.
Kodnani is accused of leading a mob against the Muslims in the 2002 post Godhra Naroda Patiya and Naroda Gam riots that killed more than 106 people.
Former Minister Maya Kodnani and and ex-VHP leader Jaideep Patel were brought to the metropolitan magistrate court amidst tight security. The SIT, which arrested the two in the Naroda Gaam case, sought a 14-day remand saying they need to collect more evidence.
Public Prosecutor Sudhir Brahmbhatt said, "We need to find out which materials and weapons were used. Also, the role of other leaders in the conspiracy, which was deep rooted."
Kodnani's advocate Mitesh Amin argued that her statement has been recorded six times since 2002 and there is no need for a 14-day remand. He also contended that she has been interrogated extensively after her arrest on Friday. The magistrate remanded Kodnani and Patel in police custody till April 1.
Amin said, "The reasons by the prosecution were not sufficient for a 14-day remand. Both have been thoroughly interrogated already. I think the court took this into account. Accused have to co-operate with the investigation and I think it is fair."
But Maya Kodnani will not be able to walk out free very soon. She is yet to be arrested in the Naroda Patiya case.
(For updates you can share with your friends, follow IBNLive on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Pinterest)






Click to play video















