Ishrat's family alleges threats and intimidation

The family of Ishrat Jahan, who was killed in an alleged fake encounter in Gujarat nine-years ago, has alleged that they were being threatened by some unknown persons, following which the Home Ministry has said it will provide security if it is sought.

The family has alleged that they were being threatened and intimidated by some unknown persons.

Official sources said Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde has made it clear that in case such a request came from the family it should be looked into at the earliest. The family has alleged that some people claiming to be policemen came knocking at their door at 2.30 in the night. They also alleged that they were being followed by cars whenever they step out.

19-year-old Ishrat, from Mumbra in Thane district adjoining Mumbai, Javed Shaikh alias Pranesh Pillai, Amjadali Akbarali Rana and Zeeshan Johar were killed in an alleged fake encounter with the Gujarat police on the outskirts of Ahmedabad on June 15, 2004.

CBI, which is probing the case, has alleged in its charge sheet that the encounter was stagemanaged and booked seven officials of the Gujarat crime branch for the killings.

Filing its first charge sheet in the case, the CBI described the encounter as a joint operation by Gujarat police and the Intelligence Bureau, and said the role of its Special Director Rajinder Kumar and three other officers was still being probed.