MHA to Re-Examine Ishrat Files, Chidambaram Responds in Defence

MHA is said to examine files relating to Ishrat case after former Home Secy GK Pillai revelations.

MEA will re-examine the files related to Ishrat Jahan in the light of facts revealed by former home secretary GK Pillai. (Photo: The Quint)

The Home Ministry is all set to examine files relating to the controversial Ishrat Jahan case after former Home Secretary GK Pillai said that ex-Home Minister P Chidambaram had changed an affidavit, which originally described Ishrat and her slain aides as LeT operatives.

We are trying to locate files relating to the Ishrat Jahan case. We are yet to get all files as some of these are yet to be traced.

Senior Home Ministry official

The official said a re-look at the Ishrat Jahan files was necessitated following the statement of the former Home Secretary.

Former Home Secretary GK Pillai in an interview with Times Now. (Photo: Times Now Screen Grab)

Pillai claimed on Sunday that as Home Minister during UPA government, Congress leader Chidambaram had recalled the file a month after the original affidavit was filed in Supreme Court. According to the recent claims. the original affidavit described Ishrat and her slain aides as LeT operatives.

Only after the affidavit was revised, as directed by the minister, did the file come to me.

G K Pillai, Former Home Secretary 

The then UPA government had submitted two affidavits – one that the four, who were killed in an alleged fake encounter, were terrorists and the second saying there was no conclusive evidence – within two months in 2009.

Chidambaram Backs his Second Affidavit in Ishrat Case

Unfazed by BJP’s attacks, former Home Minister P Chidambaram stood by the second affidavit in the Ishrat Jahan encounter case, insisting it was “absolutely correct” and as the minister “I accept the responsibility”.

Talking to reporters at the Congress headquarters, the former Finance Minister expressed disappointment over former Home Secretary G K Pillai distancing himself from the affidavit issue despite being “equally responsible”.

What Chidambaram said:

• I was part of the government (at that time). How can I distance myself from the government?
  
• Second affidavit in the case was filed as the first was “ambiguous”.
  
• Disappointed that the Home Secretary who is equally responsible wanted to distance himself from it.
  

He said that it was his “duty” to correct the affidavit which was drafted without his approval and was being misinterpreted.

After consultations with the Home Secretary, Director, Intelligence Bureau and other officers, the second affidavit clarified what the real intention of the central government was, he said.

Former Finance Minister P Chidambaram. (Photo: Reuters)

Chidambaram insisted the primary concern of the central government is to see that inputs gathered by Indian security agencies and the references are credible.

The primary concern of the central government was input gathered by central agencies. Such inputs do not constitute a conclusive proof. It is for the state government to act. Central government does not condone nor endorse any unjustified action.

P Chidambaram, Former Home Minister 

Besides, he said if, on proper consideration of facts, it is found that an independent enquiry and investigation has to be carried by CBI or otherwise, the Union of India would have no objection to such a course and would abide by such order which the court may deem fit to pass.