AHMEDABAD, Aug 2: The wife of Bhaskar Bhatt, one of the two persons arrested for their alleged involvement in arson at Bhagyodaya restaurant on Drive-in Road, has filed a complaint with the judicial magistrate (first class) alleging that her husband was set on fire, the police had refused to take her husband's complaint and that a police officer, whom she could identify, was shielding the accused.Acting on Harsha Bhatt's complaint, magistrate Asha Vanani on Monday directed District Superintendent of Police, Ahmedabad (rural), J K Bhatt to investigate the matter. The court also directed that the complainant and her family be provided police protection.
Bhaskar Bhatt and Harshad Gilitwala, reportedly Bajrang Dal activists, have been booked for conspiracy, arson and attempt to murder. According to the police, the two were burnt while they, along with others, were setting the restaurant on fire on Saturday evening.
According to Harsha Bhatt's complaint, she went to V S General Hospital on August 1 after learning that her husband was admitted there with burns. On August 2, when Bhaskar gained consciousness, he told her that he was sitting at Bhagyodaya restaurant, along with Harshad, when some people from the reception desk poured a liquid on them and set them on fire.
Harsha Bhatt says when her husband narrated the incident to the police, including an officer, the cops abused him and asked him why he had not named the restaurant employees when he was questioned earlier.
Her complaint alleges that the policemen then said that nothing could be done now and threatened to kill Bhaskar.
Harsha Bhatt said the police was intentionally not taking the complaint and that is why she had moved court. She further stated that she wanted to lodge a complaint against persons at the restaurant and a police officer for attempting to murder her husband. She also asked for police protection.
Copyright © 1999 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.