Explain IPS Sanjiv Bhatt in 500 words
IPS Sanjiv Bhatt is a former Indian Police Service officer who gained national and international attention for his role in exposing the complicity of the Gujarat government in the 2002 riots in the state. Born on November 28, 1963, in Gujarat, Bhatt joined the Indian Police Service in 1988 and served in various capacities in the state police force.
Bhatt rose to prominence in 2011 when he filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court of India alleging that the then Chief Minister of Gujarat, Narendra Modi, had instructed senior police officers to allow Hindus to vent their anger against Muslims following the Godhra train burning incident in Bhatt claimed that he was present at a meeting where Modi gave these instructions, and he was subsequently pressured to change his testimony. His affidavit led to an investigation by the Supreme Court-appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT) into the role of the Gujarat government in the riots.
Bhatt's testimony was seen as a significant blow to the reputation of the Modi government and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which was in power in Gujarat at the time. He faced harassment and intimidation from the state government, including being suspended from the police force in 2011 on charges of "unauthorised absence" and "misconduct". Bhatt maintained that he was being targeted for speaking out against the government's role in the riots.
Despite facing legal challenges and personal hardships, Bhatt continued to speak out against the injustices he witnessed. He became a vocal critic of the Modi government and the BJP, accusing them of promoting a divisive and communal agenda. Bhatt's stand against the government earned him both admirers and critics, with some hailing him as a hero for his courage and integrity, while others dismissed him as a disgruntled officer with a political agenda.
In 2015, Bhatt was sentenced to life imprisonment by a sessions court in Gujarat for his alleged involvement in a custodial death case dating back to Bhatt was accused of causing the death of a man in police custody during his tenure as an Assistant Superintendent of Police in Jamnagar. Bhatt maintained his innocence and claimed that he was being framed by the government in retaliation for his role in exposing their complicity in the 2002 riots.
Bhatt's case garnered international attention, with human rights organizations and activists calling for his release and condemning the government's actions against him. Despite his imprisonment, Bhatt continued to be a symbol of resistance against state oppression and injustice.
In conclusion, IPS Sanjiv Bhatt's story is a complex and controversial one, marked by his brave stand against the powerful forces of the state. His role in exposing the Gujarat government's complicity in the 2002 riots and his subsequent persecution have made him a polarizing figure in Indian politics. Bhatt's legacy will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to truth and justice, even in the face of adversity.