However, since Shah did not return till last night, a missing person`s complaint was registered by his family and further investigation in the matter is on, police said. According to the FIR of constable K D Pant, based on which Bhatt was arrested, Shah had come with Pant to Bhatt`s residence on the night of June 16.
Shah was also present when Bhatt allegedly threatened Pant and made him sign affidavit that supported his claim that he was present in the meeting of February 27, 2002 called by Chief Minister Narendra Modi after the post-Godhra riots, the FIR said. As a witness in the FIR against Bhatt, Shah`s statement has been recorded before a judicial magistrate by the investigating officer in the case.
Bhatt, in his affidavit filed in the Supreme Court, had alleged complicity of Modi in the post-Godhra riots, and stated that Pant who knew about the CM`s meeting was threatened with dire consequences.