The Madhya Pradesh government has constituted a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate controversial remarks made by Tribal Affairs Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah. This development comes on the heels of a stern directive from the Supreme Court, which expressed strong disapproval of Shah’s comments, particularly those targeting Indian Army officer Colonel Sofiya Qureshi.
The Supreme Court, in its scathing rebuke, described Shah’s remarks as “filthy, crass, and shameful,” and dismissed his public apology as insincere. A bench of Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh emphasized that “The nation is ashamed of you (Shah). Redemption is yours to seek.” While the apex court stayed Shah’s arrest for the time being, it mandated his full cooperation with the ongoing investigation.
The newly formed SIT comprises Inspector General of Police Pramod Verma, Deputy Inspector General Kalyan Chakravarty, and Superintendent of Police Vahini Singh. Crucially, the Supreme Court had stipulated that the SIT must consist of three senior IPS officers from the Madhya Pradesh cadre who are currently serving in the state but do not originally belong to it, with at least one officer being a woman. The Director General of Police was directed to constitute the SIT by May 20.
The controversy erupted after a video widely circulated on social media showed Minister Shah allegedly making objectionable remarks about Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, who gained prominence during media briefings on “Operation Sindoor.” The remarks, widely condemned for their derogatory and offensive nature, prompted the Madhya Pradesh High Court to take suo motu cognizance and order the registration of an FIR against Shah on charges of promoting enmity and hatred. The High Court had earlier used strong language, describing Shah’s comments as “scurrilous” and “language of the gutters.”
The Supreme Court, while stating it would not directly monitor the investigation, affirmed it would keep a close watch on the case. The SIT has been tasked with submitting a status report on the probe by May 28, indicating the seriousness with which this matter is being pursued.
Opposition leaders, including Madhya Pradesh Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar, have welcomed the Supreme Court’s intervention, highlighting what they perceive as the state government’s initial inaction on the matter. The incident has ignited a broader discussion on accountability, political decorum, and the respect owed to India’s armed forces in public discourse. Sources