Minister Vijay Shah Faces SIT Probe for ‘Shameful’ Attack on Army Hero Colonel Sofiya Qureshi

SC Orders SIT Probe Into Minister Vijay Shah’s Remarks Against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi

Supreme Court Takes Unyielding Stand on Derogatory Comments by Minister Vijay Shah

In a landmark move underscoring the gravity of political accountability, the Supreme Court of India has ordered the formation of a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe Madhya Pradesh minister Vijay Shah’s controversial remarks against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, a senior officer of the Indian Army. The directive follows a sharp rebuke from the apex court, which rejected Shah’s apology as insincere and aimed at escaping legal repercussions.

Justice Surya Kant, delivering a scathing critique, remarked, “The entire nation was in shame due to the comments. We saw your videos—you were on the verge of using very filthy language, but somehow better sense prevailed.” His words highlighted the gravity of Shah’s statements, which the court deemed unacceptable, particularly in the context of Colonel Qureshi’s pivotal role in briefing the nation on Operation Sindoor, India’s military offensive against terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

SIT Formed to Ensure Independent and Impartial Inquiry

Complying with the Supreme Court’s directive, the Madhya Pradesh Police has constituted an SIT led by Inspector General of Police Pramod Verma. The team also includes Deputy Inspector General Kalyan Chakravarty and Superintendent of Police Vahini Singh, fulfilling the Court’s instruction to include at least one woman officer.

Further, the Court mandated that all IPS officers involved be from the Madhya Pradesh cadre but originally from outside the state, to ensure neutrality and credibility in the probe. The SIT has been tasked with submitting its first status report by May 28.

Legal Grounds and High Court’s Involvement

Earlier, the Madhya Pradesh High Court had ordered the registration of an FIR against Shah, invoking Sections 152, 196(1)(B), and 197(1)(C) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023. These sections pertain to promoting enmity, hatred, and public mischief, further emphasising the severity of Vijay Shah’s conduct.

Nationwide Backlash and Political Fallout

Vijay Shah’s remarks have triggered widespread public outrage and political condemnation. The viral video capturing his derogatory comments against Colonel Qureshi, a decorated officer, has drawn fierce criticism from across the nation. Despite attempting damage control by stating that he “respects Colonel Qureshi more than his sister,” the Supreme Court remained unconvinced, reflecting a growing demand for political leaders to be held to higher standards of conduct.

A Defining Moment for Political Accountability

The case has now evolved into a litmus test for free speech, political responsibility, and respect for the armed forces. As the SIT embarks on its investigation, this episode could set a powerful precedent in curbing hate speech and enforcing legal consequences for derogatory rhetoric by public officials.

With the nation watching closely, the outcome of the probe and subsequent legal action against Vijay Shah could redefine the boundaries of political discourse and institutional respect in India.