Srinagar, Aug 10: Even after passage of more than a month, there is no headway in investigation into the Dastgeer Sahab (RA) shrine blaze as the Special Investigating Team (SIT) of police is trying to get a clue by questioning the relevant people.
According to sources in the SIT, there is absolutely no headway in the investigation. However, the probe team is finalizing the codal formalities like recording of statements.
As per CrPC section 164, the statements are recorded in front of a metropolitan magistrate or judicial magistrate.
According to a police official part of the SIT, the statements of Deputy Imam of the mosque and commander of police guard at the shrine have been recorded. The two were present at the shrine the day when it was gutted, the official said.
“The statements of both the persons are very important in carrying forward the investigation,” he said.
Earlier, the SIT had questioned and recorded statements of at least 25 persons, including the Vice-Chairman Wakf Board, Sajada Nasheen and shrine management personnel.
SIT officials said they were also waiting for certain clarifications from Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) as their opinion was ‘confusing.’
The FSL report has ruled out fire due to short circuit. It has also ruled out the use of any combustible substance, but it has not been able to detect the cause of fire.
SIT officials said there were certain confusions in the report and they have sought answers from the people who have carried out the analysis. “We are waiting for their reply. It is expected next week,” an official said.
SIT is looking into all angles of fire which, notably, include the possibility of it being an act of arson. They have registered an FIR number 37/2012 under 436 RPC (arson) in police station Khanyar.

Lastupdate on : Fri, 10 Aug 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Fri, 10 Aug 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sat, 11 Aug 2012 00:00:00 IST