Did Col Sofiya Qureshi's Remarks Spark Controversy? SIT Submits Status Report to SC
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The Supreme Court's recent directive regarding the SIT's report on Madhya Pradesh Minister Vijay Shah's controversial remarks about Colonel Sofiya Qureshi has sparked significant national discourse. As the investigation unfolds, the implications of Shah's statements continue to resonate widely.
Key Takeaways
- The Supreme Court has directed the acceptance of the SIT's status report regarding Vijay Shah's remarks.
- The investigation is being conducted by a specially formed SIT of senior IPS officers.
- Vijay Shah's comments have led to significant public outrage and legal scrutiny.
- The High Court mandated a swift response from law enforcement regarding Shah's comments.
- Colonel Sofiya Qureshi's role in Operation Sindoor remains pivotal in this discussion.
New Delhi, May 27 (NationPress) The Supreme Court has instructed its registry to accept the status report submitted by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating the contentious remarks made by Madhya Pradesh Tribal Welfare Minister Vijay Shah regarding Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, the Indian Army officer who provided media briefings during Operation Sindoor against Pakistan.
Following an oral request from the state government’s attorney, a bench led by Justices Surya Kant and Dipankar Datta directed the apex court registry to officially record the SIT’s status report.
This development occurred a day prior to the scheduled hearing on Shah’s special leave petition (SLP), which contests the Madhya Pradesh High Court's directive for the registration of an FIR against him due to his offensive remarks.
In relation to Operation Sindoor, it was reported that Shah claimed Prime Minister Narendra Modi had dispatched a "sister from the same community" as the individuals in Pakistan to retaliate against the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, igniting national outrage.
Last week, the Supreme Court mandated that the state Director General of Police establish a SIT comprising three senior IPS officers from the Madhya Pradesh cadre, one of whom is a female IPS officer, to investigate the FIR filed against Shah under Sections 152, 196(1)(b), and 197 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
"The SIT will be led by an officer of no less than the rank of Inspector General of Police, with the other two members also holding the rank of Superintendent of Police or above. The investigation into the FIR will be assigned to the SIT immediately," stated the order from the Justice Surya Kant-led Bench issued on May 19.
Furthermore, it was specified that no coercive actions, including arrest, would be taken against Shah; however, he was instructed to fully cooperate with the investigation.
In compliance with the Supreme Court's directive, Madhya Pradesh DGP Kailash Makwana formed the SIT on May 19, which includes IG Pramod Verma (2001 batch IPS), DIG Kalyan Chakraborty (2010 batch), and SP Vahini Singh (2014 batch).
On Saturday, the three-member SIT visited Raikunda village near the Mhow region of Indore district, where Shah made his controversial statement during a public program on May 12. The team met with the village sarpanch and secretary, both of whom had previously been summoned by the Manpur police, where the FIR was lodged.
The SIT has gathered pertinent documents, including video recordings of the event and a list of participants.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court had, on May 14, ordered the DGP to file a criminal case against Shah within four hours and warned of contempt actions against the top police official for any delay.
A bench comprising Justices Atul Sreedharan and Anuradha Shukla expressed that, prima facie, there was an offence of inciting enmity among different castes, religions, and languages. The Justice Sreedharan-led Bench emphasized that referring to Colonel Qureshi as a "sister of terrorists" constitutes an offence that harms the sentiments and beliefs of the Muslim community.
Point of View
It's crucial for us as a nation to uphold the principles of justice and accountability. The Supreme Court's involvement signifies the importance of addressing inflammatory rhetoric, ensuring that all voices are heard while maintaining the integrity of our democratic values.
NationPress
20/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the status of the investigation into Vijay Shah's remarks?
The Supreme Court has accepted the SIT's status report, which is investigating the controversial remarks made by Vijay Shah regarding Colonel Sofiya Qureshi.
What were the comments made by Vijay Shah?
Vijay Shah made comments implying that a 'sister from the same community' as those in Pakistan was sent for retaliation following a terror attack in Kashmir, which has sparked outrage.
What does the High Court's order entail?
The Madhya Pradesh High Court ordered the DGP to file a criminal case against Shah within four hours, warning of contempt action for non-compliance.
Who is leading the SIT investigation?
The SIT is being headed by an officer of at least Inspector General rank, comprising senior IPS officers from the Madhya Pradesh cadre.
What are the next steps in the investigation?
The SIT will continue to collect evidence, including video footage, and will question individuals involved in the public event where Shah made his remarks.
