Sanjiv Bhatt wants bullet-proof car, escort vehicle

Ahmedabad: Suspended IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt, who deposed against Narendra Modi in connection with the post-Godhra riots, has made fresh demands for a bullet-proof car and the appointment of a nodal officer to look after his security, citing ’ever increasing’ threat to his life. “In the wake of the ever-increasing threat to me and my family from (Narendra) Modi supporters and Hindu fanatics, I request you to designate a nodal officer for my security arrangements while travelling outside Ahmedabad,” he said in a letter to the state Home department. [caption id=“attachment_97050” align=“alignright” width=“380” caption=“Sanjiv Bhatt says he fears for his life. Image from CNN-IBN.”]  [/caption] Bhatt has deposed against Gujarat chief minister Modi and others before various forums, including the Special Investigation Team, probing the 2002 Gujarat riots. The letter demanding enhanced security cover was written in the backdrop of the murder of one of the important witnesses of the Naroda Patiya massacre of 2002 and RTI activist, Nadeem Saiyed, in Ahmedabad on Friday. “In coming days, my wife Shweta Bhatt and I will be required to frequently travel outside Ahmedabad in connection with cases and important issues,” Bhatt said. “Despite threat assessment reports and recommendations of the agencies, I have been provided one PSO for my protection and one armed sentry at my residence,” he said. “The existing arrangements for my security and my family, are neither adequate nor foolproof. I request you to provide me a bullet-proof car and an escort vehicle without any further delay,” he said. Bhatt had yesterday written to the Special Investigation Team (SIT), probing the 2002 Gujarat riots case, demanding fool-proof security cover for himself and his family. This is the 14th letter written by Bhatt to various authorities here over demanding enhanced security for himself and his family. PTI