CBI Judge Loya's death: Bombay HC judges deny anything suspicious
AAP, Congress and CPM leaders and former Delhi HC judge AP Shah have been calling for a judicial probe in the death of CBI Judge Brijgopal Harkishan Loya. In a Caravan magazine report, Loya's family had alleged foul play in his death. However, an IE report debunks these allegations by reconstructing the event with accounts from fellow judges present during Loya's death. Here's more!
Who is Judge Loya and how did he die?
The CBI judge Loya was presiding over the trial of BJP president Amit Shah and other Gujarat police officers allegedly involved in the "fake" encounter killing of Sohrabuddin Sheikh and his wife Kauser Bi. Reportedly, Loya died of a heart attack on the intervening night of November 30-December 1 in Nagpur, where he had travelled for a colleague's daughter's wedding.
What were the allegations made by Loya's family?
The family claims that after Loya experienced chest pains, he was taken to the hospital in an auto-rickshaw and the ECG was not working there. After his death, someone unknown picked up the body and his body was sent to the village home unescorted.
Loya taken to hospital in car; ECG available at hospital
Judges Bhushan Gavai and Sunil Shukre who went to the hospital and made arrangements denied these allegations. They said Loya complained of chest pain at 4am. He was immediately taken to Dande hospital in local judge Vijaykumar Barde's car. Subsequently, an ECG was conducted; a copy of which was available. However, he needed specialized medical treatment, so was shifted to a bigger hospital.
Death at Medtrina hospital; body claimed by distant relative
Loya collapsed while being taken to Medtrina hospital for specialized treatment. They tried to revive him but were unsuccessful. He was declared dead at 6am. Subsequently, Prashant Rathi, Loya's cousin's nephew took care of the formalities. The post-mortem was conducted. The family claimed there were blood stains on Loya's body. Forensic experts say blood seeps out during a post-mortem as major cavities are opened.
Two judges accompanied the body in car behind the ambulance
Later, two civil judges escorted the body to Latur. They followed the ambulance in their personal car. However, the car developed a snag near Nanded, which is why the accompanying judges reached late. However, they later met Loya's father and attended the cremation.
Meanwhile, some questions remain unanswered
Though most allegations are debunked, some questions remain unanswered. The family claims Loya was being pressurized and Bombay HC's Chief Justice Mohit Shah offered Loya a bribe of Rs. 100cr to give a judgment in Amit Shah's favor. These claims might need to be investigated. There is also no clarity on the role of "RSS man" Ishwar Baheti who was coordinating with the family.
