RAJKOT, Union Home Minister Amit Shah took a trip down memory lane, recounting a pivotal moment in his life during an event in Junagadh. Shah, speaking at the birth centenary celebration of eminent lawyer Divyakant Nanavati, shared insights into his three months of incarceration in 2010 related to the Sohrabuddin fake encounter case.
The senior BJP leader revealed, “Five minutes ago I was the jails minister, and in the next five minutes, I was an inmate.” Shah’s candid admission resonated with surprise and amusement among the audience as he reflected on the challenges he faced during those difficult times.
Addressing the gathering organized by the Rupayatan Trust, Shah commended the professionalism of Nirupam, the son of Divyakant Nanavati and a renowned criminal lawyer. Despite the family’s longstanding political affiliation with Congress, Nirupam played a crucial role in Shah’s legal battle.
“Congress framed me, and the CBI lodged a case. My friends and I were pondering who to appoint as my lawyer. So, obviously Nirupam bhai’s name came up. But everyone, including me, was skeptical if he would take up the case considering the family’s Congress background. But I thought, ‘What’s the harm in asking him?’ Much to my surprise, he readily agreed. He not only took up my case but fought till the Supreme Court and helped me get discharged,” recounted the Home Minister. Shah was discharged in December 2014.
“When I asked him (Nirupam) the reason, he said he had friends in Congress, and he knew they had framed me. There can’t be a bigger example of professionalism than this,” Shah added.
The event, organized to highlight Divyakant Nanavati’s contributions to the development of Junagadh and nearby areas, also saw the launch of a book commemorating Nanavati’s life.
