Former Minister IK Jadeja seeks more time to appear before riots probe commission 05.09.2011 | 14:47 Ahmedabad Vijay Shah

Former Gujarat minister and currently spokesperson of the ruling BJP party in the state, IK Jadeja, today failed to appear before the Nanavati-Mehta Commission probing the Gujrat riots. Jadeja sent an application seeking more time to appear before the commission. The application does not mention any reason for his seeking more time.

Jadeja was summoned by the commission for questioning on the riots. He was in charge of Urban Development department of the state, during the riots of 2002.

"Jadeja was supposed to appear today before the commission but he has sought more time. He is likely to be appearing on September 23." said Mukul Sinha, a lawyer and activist of Jan Sangharsh Manch(JSM), an NGO representing riot victims.

Jadeja is the second minister who was summoned and will be questioned in this regard. Earlier the commission had quizzed former state home minister Gordhan Zadafia which took place in-camera.

It has been alleged that Jadeja alongwith then colleague in the ministry Ashok Bhatt were present at the city police control room, during the riots and had issued instructions to the police.