- By Nidhi Giri
- Mon, 19 May 2025 01:28 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
The Supreme Court on Monday granted protection from arrest to Madhya Pradesh Minister Vijay Shah, adding that he has to join and fully cooperate with the SIT. The apex court slammed the cabinet minister for his remarks against Indian Army officer Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, who had briefed the media about 'Operation Sindoor' against Pakistan. The Supreme Court also rejected the apology extended by the minister.
The Supreme Court came down heavily on the MP minister and said, “Where is that apology? What kind of apology have you tendered? There is some meaning of apology. Sometimes people use docile language only to wriggle out of proceeding. Sometimes they shed crocodile tears. What kind of apology is yours?"
"You are a public figure. A seasoned politician. You should weigh your words when you speak. We should display your video here…This is an important issue for the armed Forces. We need to be very responsible," said Supreme Court, as per news agency ANI.
READ MORE: NIT Jamshedpur Student Ends Life In Second Suicide Attempt, Family Cites Exam Stress And Depression
Supreme Court Forms AN SIT
The Supreme Court has formed an SIT comprising three senior IPS officers, including a woman officer, who are from outside Madhya Pradesh, to probe MP minister Vijay Shah’s remarks regarding Col Sofiya Qureshi. The top court directed the SIT to submit a status report on the outcome of the investigation and posted the matter for hearing on May 28.
Vijay Shah's Remarks On Colonel Sofiya Qureshi
Vijay Shah drew widespread backlash from military veterans to opposition leaders, following his controversial remark against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, who was the part of daily briefing on Army actions amid standoff between India and Pakistan.
Vijay Shah, while addressing a public gathering during a government function in Mhow of Indore, lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for conducting Operation Sindoor to avenge the killings in the Pahalgam terror attack. As he talked about Operation Sindoor, Shah drew parallels between Colonel Qureshi and those who carried out the Pahalgam terror attack, saying that ‘PM Modi sent their sister’ to avenge the killings.
In his speech, Shah had said, “India taught a lesson to those responsible for the Pahalgam terror attack using a sister from their own community (unki samaaj ki behen ke zariye).” He repeated the same three times, without mentioning Qureshi’s name.