Two months after Madhya Pradesh minister Kunwar Vijay Shah sparked outrage with his remarks on Colonel Sofiya Qureshi in the backdrop of Operation Sindoor, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) tasked with looking into the matter has finally recorded his statement.
Sources said the questioning lasted nearly an hour and took place earlier this week in Jabalpur. The SIT is expected to submit its report to the Supreme Court ahead of the next hearing in the matter on July 28.
The delay in recording Shah’s statement has prompted strong reactions from the Opposition, which has questioned the neutrality of the investigation.
Shah came under fire after he was heard saying at an event that India taught a lesson to those responsible for the Pahalgam terror attack using “their own sister”. He has been widely criticised by many who allege that the statement was a reference to Col Qureshi, who gained nationwide prominence along with Wing Commander Vyomika Singh during media briefings on Operation Sindoor.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court earlier rebuked Shah for using “language of the gutters” and ordered the police to register an FIR against him on the charge of promoting enmity and hatred.
After drawing severe condemnation, the minister expressed regret and said that he respects Col Qureshi more than his sister.
