SC hints at forming panel to probe into gangster Vikas Dubey's encounter

The Supreme Court on Tuesday dropped strong hints that it will constitute a committee to probe the killing of Kanpur gangster Vikas Dubey and his five aides. Chief Justice SA Bobde said the bench headed by him will take a final decision in this regard on July 20.

New Delhi: Hearing a petition seeking direction to invoke CBI monitored investigation in the encounter of Kanpur-based gangster Vikas Dubey, the Supreme Court on Tuesday made oral remarks that it was inclined to appoint a committee headed by a retired judge to probe the encounter.

A three-judge bench comprising of Chief Justice SA Bobde, N Subhash Reddy, and AS Bopanna gave permission to Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to file a report as he has appeared for the Uttar Pradesh Government.

Advocate Ganesh Upadhyay who filed the petition against the encounter of the notorious gangster contended that the incident shows the high-handed approach of police machinery.

"It is condemnable to demolish the properties of Vikas Dubey and killing of co-accused of him. FIRs should be filed against the cops who had done this instead of following the legal procedures. The matter has the provision for the CBI probe under the monitoring of Supreme Court as this involves higher police authorities, officers and Ministers," Upadhyay said in his petition.

Meanwhile, the apex court said orally that a committee may be constituted to probe the incident similar to the committee formed to probe Hyderabad police encounter in Telangana.

As Solicitor General assured that he will file a report on behalf of the UP Government that would satisfy the court, the apex court postponed the matter to Monday. It is noted the petition was filed a day before Vikas Dubey was encountered between Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

The petitioner approached the SC after the aides of Dubey who were allegedly involved in the killing of eight policemen on July 2. Upadhyay filed a plea seeking actions against the encounters.

Though the matter was not listed before the court on July 10, Dubey was killed by UP police alluding the slain gangster was trying to escape on the same date, the petitioner prayed for listing the matter.

The SC registry informed that Upadhyay can amend his prayer in the petition.