May 19, 2025 14:37 IST
First published on: May 19, 2025 at 13:39 IST
The Supreme Court Monday rejected the apology by Madhya Pradesh Minister Vijay Shah over his remarks on Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, ordering the setting up of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the matter. The top court stayed his arrest till the team submits a status report on May 28.
“Entire nation in shame due to your statement,” SC Bench said, chiding him over his remarks last week. The top court added that he should be sensitive before making crass comments.
Questioning his apology, the court also asked if it was “crocodile tears” to wriggle out of legal proceedings, as per news agency PTI.
Speaking at an event near Mhow last week, Shah said that those who had widowed India’s daughters were taught a lesson by Prime Minister Narendra Modi using their own sister “(unki samaaj ki behen ke zariye)”. He repeated this statement thrice. While he did not name any individual, the Congress alleged he was alluding to Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, who had briefed the media when Operation Sindoor was underway.
The MP DGP is expected to form the SIT headed by IG rank officer by 10 am Tuesday, as per SC orders.
The SIT team should comprise three senior IPS officers of the Madhya Pradesh cadre, including one woman, the court said. None of the officers should be from the state, it added.
The SC is expected to hear the case on May 28.
