Shweta Bhatt’s emotional note calls for public support and highlights ongoing legal battles and threats to her husband’s safety
Team Clarion
AHMEDABAD – Shweta Bhatt, the wife of former IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt, has written an emotional note as her husband completes six years of imprisonment. Bhatt, known for his role in filing an affidavit against then Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi during the 2002 riots, was arrested on September 5, 2018, in connection with a custodial death case. On Thursday, he completed 2,193 days of imprisonment.
In her note, Shweta Bhatt highlighted the struggles she and her family face in their ongoing fight for justice, accusing the current regime of suppressing Sanjiv Bhatt’s voice. She also raised concerns over his recent transfer to a high-security prison, describing it as a calculated move to endanger his life.
Sanjiv Bhatt, a distinguished IPS officer from the Gujarat cadre, was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Jamnagar Sessions Court on June 20, 2019, in a 1990 custodial death case. Later, on March 27, 2024, he was convicted by the Palanpur Sessions Court in a drug smuggling case.
Bhatt’s legal battles stem from his controversial role during the 2002 Gujarat riots, where he filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court alleging that Modi had directed top police officials to allow Hindus to “vent their anger” on Muslims during the riots. These claims were rejected by the Supreme Court-appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT), which found Bhatt’s allegations to be baseless.
Shweta Bhatt’s note reads: “Every day we are struggling for justice, and every day this dictatorial regime tries to suppress Sanjiv’s voice forever. On Sunday, Sanjiv was quietly and secretly transferred to another jail, which is notorious for dangerous criminals and terrorists. This move is not just a simple jail transfer, but a well-planned conspiracy to endanger Sanjiv’s life and safety.”
A Cry for Public Support
In her appeal, Shweta Bhatt emphasised that Sanjiv Bhatt’s struggle is not just a personal one, but a fight for truth and democracy. She urged the public to raise their voices against the injustice her husband is facing. “Sanjiv’s struggle is not just his, but of all of us. It is a struggle to protect the truth, which is slowly fading away in our country. Sanjiv’s self-confidence and integrity show us a ray of light amidst the darkness. Now is not the time to remain silent,” she said in her note.
The message has resonated with many who view Bhatt as a symbol of resistance against political oppression. His wife’s emotional plea has ignited a fresh debate over his imprisonment, with many activists and civil society groups calling for his release. On social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Shweta Bhatt reiterated her call for justice, stating: “Today marks 2,193 days since Sanjiv Bhatt has been languishing in jail for a crime he did not commit… It is a battle for the very essence of truth in a nation slipping into darkness.”
Who is Sanjiv Bhatt?
Sanjiv Bhatt’s career as an IPS officer took a controversial turn after he submitted the affidavit implicating Modi. Bhatt claimed to have attended a meeting where Modi allegedly directed police officials to allow Hindus to take out their anger on Muslims. Despite these serious allegations, the SIT dismissed his claims, and Bhatt’s legal troubles escalated.
In 2015, Bhatt was removed from police service due to his being absent without leave. He petitioned the Supreme Court to form an SIT to investigate the cases against him, but the court dismissed his plea, citing his political connections. Bhatt was accused of maintaining ties with political leaders and NGOs, further complicating his position.
The 1990 custodial death case that led to his life sentence stemmed from an incident during his tenure as an officer in Jamnagar. He was found guilty of causing the death of a man in police custody. This case, along with the more recent conviction in the drug smuggling one, has kept Bhatt in the public eye, with many questioning the motives behind these charges.
Public Reaction and Calls for Justice
Sanjiv Bhatt’s imprisonment has garnered significant attention, with supporters claiming that his incarceration is politically motivated due to his vocal opposition to the government. Human rights organisations, activists, and politicians have called for a thorough review of Bhatt’s cases, while his family continues to fight for his release.
Shweta Bhatt’s latest appeal has added momentum to the calls for justice. She poignantly noted her husband’s resilience, despite the attempts to crush his spirit: “Despite every brutal attempt to crush him, Sanjiv has, and continues to stand tall — his spirit unbowed, his resolve unbroken. His resilience is a light that cuts through the dark, reminding us of the power that lies in standing firm, no matter the cost.”
She concluded with a rallying cry, urging people to act now in the fight for justice: “If not us, who; If not now, when?”
As Bhatt’s legal battles continue, the controversy surrounding his imprisonment remains a divisive issue in India, reflecting broader tensions over justice, political power, and civil liberties.
