Gandhinagar, May 11: The Supreme Court-appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT), on Monday, questioned Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Dr Pravin Togadia for four hours in connection with the 2002 state riots.
After his questioning, based on a petition by Zakia Jafri before the Supreme Court, Togadia said he would take action against Zakia and social activist Teesta Setalvad for “dragging” him to the investigating agency.
“I too, at an appropriate time, will take action against Zakia Jafri and Teesta Setalvad, who have dragged me before the SIT.”
When asked what action he was contemplating against them, he said, “I will let you know in a few days’ time.” He said he has been dragged into the issue because he is a Hindu.
In her petition, Zakia, widow of Congress leader Ehsan Jafri, had alleged that Chief Minister Narendra Modi and 62 others, including Togadia, aided and abetted the post-Godhra riots. Setalvad is a co-complainant in the petition.
When asked about the kind of questions he was asked by the SIT, the VHP leader said he was asked reasons about his presence in Gujarat during the riots. SIT member A K Malhotra recorded his statement.
Before reaching the SIT office along with his supporters, including some sadhus, Togadia visited Mahalakshmi Temple in Ahmedabad and Panchdev Temple in Gandhinagar.
Togadia was initially summoned by the SIT on April 19. However, he failed to appear on that date and was called to depose before the investigating agency today.
–Agencies