By Muslim Mirror Staff
A special court in Palanpur on Thursday sentenced ex-IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt to 20 years imprisonment after holding him guilty for framing a lawyer in a narcotics case nearly 28 years ago.
The case dates back to 1996 when Bhatt was serving as the assistant superintendent of police in Rajasthan’s Banaskantha district. He was accused of orchestrating the false implication of lawyer Sumersingh Rajpurohit in a narcotics case by planting drugs on him. Rajpurohit’s arrest and subsequent legal proceedings were based on fabricated evidence allegedly orchestrated by Bhatt and his associates.
After years of legal battles and investigations, the court finally delivered its verdict, finding Bhatt guilty of multiple charges, including murder under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), in addition to other sections related to framing and fabricating evidence. The severity of the sentence underscores the gravity of Bhatt’s actions and serves as a deterrent against abuse of power by law enforcement officials.
Bhatt’s fall from grace is particularly noteworthy given his previous prominence in the Indian judicial system. He gained national attention for his role as a whistleblower in the aftermath of the 2002 Gujarat riots, where he testified against then-Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, alleging his complicity in the violence. Bhatt’s testimony had significant political implications and contributed to the discourse surrounding accountability and justice in India.
However, Bhatt’s once-flourishing career took a downward turn as he faced backlash and legal scrutiny from the government and law enforcement agencies. His involvement in the drug planting case further tarnished his reputation and raised questions about the integrity of the police force. The verdict serves as a reminder that no one, regardless of their position or influence, is above the law.
The implications of Bhatt’s conviction extend beyond his personal fate. It underscores the importance of upholding the principles of justice, accountability, and the rule of law within India’s law enforcement agencies. The judiciary’s commitment to delivering justice, even in cases involving powerful individuals, reinforces faith in the legal system and sends a clear message that abuse of power will not be tolerated.
While Bhatt’s sentencing represents a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice, it also raises broader questions about the prevalence of corruption and misconduct within India’s law enforcement apparatus. The case serves as a call to action for systemic reforms aimed at promoting transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct within the police force. ( With Agencies Inputs )