Colonel Sofiya Qureshi became a well-known face during press briefings on Operation Sindoor, India’s retaliatory air strikes on Pakistani terrorist camps, alongside Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. However, Madhya Pradesh Minister Vijay Shah sparked widespread outrage following his remarks on Operation Sindoor and Colonel Qureshi.
Earlier, Shah, was purportedly heard saying in a viral video, “Jinhone humari betiyon ke sindoor ujade the…humne unhiki behen bhej kar ke unki aisi ki taisi karwayi (those who wiped sindoor (vermilion) off our daughters’ forehead…we sent their sister to teach them a lesson).”
The Supreme Court then pulled up the state government over the “crass” and inappropriate comments made by Shah. Later, the Madhya Pradesh government constituted a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe Shah’s controversial remarks against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi. Let us have a look at the SIT team, which includes three senior IPS officers.
Pramod Verma (SIT Chief)
A 2001-batch IPS officer, Verma currently serves as the Inspector General (IG) of Sagar Range. Known for his discipline and tough administrative style, he has extensive experience in anti-Naxal operations and cybercrime investigations. He has been awarded the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Kalyan Chakravarty
A 2010-batch IPS officer posted as DIG in the Special Armed Forces, Chakravarty operates out of the police headquarters in Bhopal. He has served on central deputation and played a key role in security arrangements during the G-20 summit. He is widely recognised for his sharp grasp of law and order management.
Vahini Singh
The only female member of the SIT, 2014-batch IPS officer Vahini Singh is currently the Superintendent of Police (SP) in Dindori district. Known for her effective handling of child trafficking and drug trafficking cases, Singh also has expertise in digital evidence and its legal validation in court proceedings. Her investigative track record earned her a place on the SIT.