Bar chief raises the alleged killing in Supreme Court; CJI says he has spoken to the Jharkhand High Court
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI – Jharkhand Police has set up a Special Investigating Team (SIT) under Additional Director General of Police (ADG) to probe the death of a Judge who was hit by an auto-rickshaw while he was on his morning walk, in the coal city of Dhanbad.
The hit-and-run incident took place on Wednesday morning.
As the killing generated shock and rage, Chief Justice of India NV Ramana said he had spoken to the Jharkhand High Court and asserted: “We are aware of the case and we will take care.”
ADG operation, Sanjay Ananad Latkar, will lead the SIT, while the other members are Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Bokaro and Dhanbad Senior Superintendents of Police (SSP).
Additional District Judge (ADJ) of Dhanabad district, Anand Uttam died after he was hit by a vehicle on Wednesday when he was on his morning walk near the Magistrate colony of the city. He was admitted to a hospital where he died during treatment.
Later CCTV footage showed that an auto-rickshaw deliberately hit the Judge.
Two people including the driver of the auto-rickshaw, Lakhan Verma and his associate Rahul Verma have been arrested. The driver has reportedly admitted that he hit the judge with his vehicle.
धनबाद के ज़िला सत्र जज उत्तम आनंद का बुधवार सुबह मोर्निंग वॉक में एक ऑटो के ठक्कर में मौत का मामला गहराता जा रहा हैं @ndtvindia @Anurag_Dwary pic.twitter.com/oV3m3Ca6x0
— manish (@manishndtv) July 28, 2021
The Jharkhand High Court, after knowing about the death of the judge, on Thursday summoned the DGP and Dhanbad SSP. While hearing the case, the court said, “If at any stage it is found that any slackness has been maintained in the probe, it will be handed over to the CBI”.
The auto was recovered from Giridih district on Wednesday night itself. During investigation it was found that the auto was stolen on Tuesday and the judge was hit by it on Wednesday morning at 5.08 a.m. He died in the hospital at 9.30 a.m.
The judge was hearing matters of more than 15 criminal cases including high profile murder cases in his court.
Supreme Court Bar Association chief and senior advocate Vikas Singh on Thursday asked the Supreme Court to take suo moto cognizance of the alleged killing of the judge.
Singh mentioned the matter before a bench headed by Chief Justice Ramana. “If someone is killed like this after rejecting a gangster’s bail, it is a dangerous situation for the judiciary,” he told the court. Singh said the incident is a shocking attack on the independence of the judiciary and demanded a CBI inquiry into the matter.
Chief Justice Ramana said the high court has issued notice to the police and district officials. “They are hearing this matter on Thursday. Let them handle it. It does not require interference by us at this stage,” said the Chief Justice. Singh emphasized that this issue is important and it is also in the interest of justice.
The bench said it is overwhelmed with the initiative of the SCBA and also appreciated the steps taken by it.
The wife of deceased judge has reportedly lodged a murder case against unknown people.
— With inputs from IANS
