Mumbai: Mumbai: Expressing serious view over lapses by Gujarat police in providing security cover to witnesses, including prime witness Zaheera Sheikh, in Best Bakery case, a Special Court today (Dec 8, 2004) recorded statement of Gandhinagar Superintendent of Police R B Brahmbhatt who was summoned in this regard.

The court, conducting retrial into the carnage, had ordered protection to Zaheera and six other witnesses. However, Gujarat police provided cover to Zaheera and her family members but left out six other witnesses.

Moreover, as per the order of DGP, the protection was to be given till Gujarat border but it was extended till Mumbai. Another lapse conducted by Gujarat police was that no lady constable accompanied eyewitness Saira Sheikh and three constables who had come along with her were without duty pass.

Looking into the lapses, the court had summoned the SP to explain why the orders were not followed.

Accordingly, Brahmbhatt appeared before the court today and said he was given to understand by his juniors that the protection was to be given to Zaheera and her family. He also said that the protection was to be given to them for their movements anywhere in the country.

He was then shown the DGP order wherein it was stated that the security was restricted till the Gujarat border. The court pulled him up and asked him if he was lying.

To this, he said that Director General of Police had extended the security of Zaheera and others till Mumbai.

About the police lapse in not providing security to six other witnesses, the SP said he was given to understand by his colleagues that the cover was for Zaheera and her family.

Asked why no lady constable had accompanied Zaheera, the Gujarat SP admitted the lapse and said his department did not have any women constable.