Tue May 20 04:02:03 UTC 2025: **News Article:**
**MP Minister Faces SIT Probe After Supreme Court Rejects Apology for Remarks Against Army Officer**
**Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh:** The Madhya Pradesh police have formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate state minister Vijay Shah following his controversial remarks about Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, who gained prominence during government briefings related to Operation Sindoor. The formation of the SIT comes after the Supreme Court rejected Mr. Shah’s apology as insincere and directed the Madhya Pradesh police to launch an investigation.
The three-member SIT will be headed by Inspector General of Police Pramod Verma and includes Deputy Inspector General Kalyan Chakravarty and Superintendent of Police Vahini Singh. The Supreme Court mandated that the SIT be led by an IG-rank officer, include a female officer, and consist of IPS officers from the Madhya Pradesh cadre but originally from outside the state.
Justices on the Supreme Court questioned the sincerity of Shah’s apology, saying it appeared to be a tactic to avoid accountability for his “crass comments.”
The controversy stems from a viral video in which Minister Shah made objectionable remarks about Colonel Qureshi at a public event, referencing the Pahalgam terror attack. His comments were deemed inflammatory and potentially harmful to religious harmony.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court had previously taken cognizance of the remarks and ordered the registration of an FIR. While Mr. Shah expressed regret and stated his respect for Colonel Qureshi following the uproar, the Supreme Court has now ordered a full investigation.
The SIT is expected to file its first status report on May 28th.
First Piper 