The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Madhya Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) to constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the controversial comments made by MP minister Vijay Shah against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, a decorated Indian Army officer known for her media briefings on Operation Sindoor.
The court instructed the MP DGP to form the SIT by 10 a.m. on Tuesday, to be led by an Inspector General (IG)-rank officer. The panel must also include a woman officer of Superintendent of Police (SP) rank. The Supreme Court mandated the submission of the first status report on the investigation by May 28.
The order followed a hearing on a plea filed by Vijay Shah challenging a Madhya Pradesh High Court directive to register a First Information Report (FIR) against him over his remarks targeting Colonel Qureshi. While the Supreme Court stayed Shah’s arrest in the case, it emphasized the need for a thorough inquiry.
The Controversial Remarks
Last week, Vijay Shah, a senior BJP leader and Madhya Pradesh minister, sparked widespread outrage with his inflammatory comments about Colonel Sofiya Qureshi. At a public gathering, Shah said, “They (terrorists) killed our Hindu brothers by making them remove their clothes. PM Modi ji responded by sending their (terrorists’) sister in an Army plane to strike them in their houses. They (terrorists) made our sisters widows, so Modiji sent the sisters of their community to strip them and teach them a lesson,” according to PTI.
His remarks drew sharp criticism from various political parties, civil society, and the public for being derogatory and inflammatory. The High Court subsequently ordered police to register an FIR against Shah, citing the need to maintain law and order.
Following the backlash, Vijay Shah issued a public apology, stating, “If anyone is hurt by my statement, I am ready to apologise ten times.” However, the controversy has continued to escalate, prompting judicial intervention.
Next Steps
The SIT will investigate the circumstances and implications of Shah’s remarks, examining whether they constitute a criminal offense and any breach of public order. The inclusion of senior officers and a woman SP-rank officer aims to ensure a fair and comprehensive probe.
The Supreme Court’s move signals a firm stance against hate speech and politically motivated inflammatory comments, reinforcing the need for accountability irrespective of a person’s position.
Sources By Agencies