Is There a Need for a New Investigation into ATS Operations?

Mumbai, Aug 1 (NationPress) Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam criticized former Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) officer Mehboob Mujawar for alleging he faced pressure to arrest RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat regarding the 2008 Malegaon blast. Nirupam asserted that such officers do not possess the moral authority to comment on the issue and called for a new investigation into the ATS’s operations.

Nirupam expressed doubts about the credibility of the officer’s claims and condemned the investigation's management.

In a statement to IANS, Nirupam posed a direct inquiry to the former ATS officer: “Where is the evidence, and who were the witnesses against those apprehended? A proper investigation would have yielded robust evidence, preventing the case’s dismissal. All seven defendants were acquitted by the NIA court.”

“Such officials lack the moral right to comment now. Their actions should be re-examined to ensure accountability and prevent similar oversights,” he emphasized.

Nirupam also addressed Rahul Gandhi’s endorsement of US President Donald Trump’s controversial remark labeling India’s economy as a “dead economy.” This statement has generated mixed reactions within the INDIA coalition, with some members distancing themselves from Gandhi’s viewpoint.

“Trump’s assertions often lack factual basis and are emotionally charged. Declaring India’s economy as ‘dead’ is unfounded and unacceptable,” Nirupam commented.

“However, what’s more concerning is Rahul Gandhi endorsing such remarks. That’s an even greater offense.”

He further stated, “Gandhi must recognize that India is currently the world’s fourth-largest economy. While there are challenges—like in agriculture, small industries, and the aftermath of demonetization—the growth rate continues to rise. Labeling the economy as ‘dead’ is misleading and irresponsible.”

Nirupam also reacted to the increasing trade relations between Washington and Pakistan.

“The United States is pursuing trade agreements with Pakistan, likely to leverage its natural resources. However, this is a separate issue and cannot be compared to our economic position,” he added.

Additionally, Nirupam commented on the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) release of draft electoral rolls for Bihar, following a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) ahead of the forthcoming Assembly elections.

“The draft report from the Election Commission has purged lakhs of fraudulent names from the Bihar voter list, including foreigners and individuals no longer residing in the state. However, this is not the final list. Political parties have a month to review the rolls via Booth Level Agents (BLA). If any legitimate voter’s name has been incorrectly removed, it can be reinstated, and further fraudulent names can be eliminated. This special revision under SIR is commendable,” Nirupam commented.

Lastly, Nirupam reacted to the reshuffling of cabinet responsibilities in the Maharashtra government after Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate was caught playing an online card game, allegedly Rummy, during a meeting.

“The Chief Minister has the authority to reassign ministerial roles. Kokate was part of Ajit Pawar’s party, and the Chief Minister, with his consent, transferred the Agriculture Department to another minister. Kokate was assigned a different department. This reshuffle is based on a year’s experience and is part of a typical administrative procedure,” Nirupam said.